Marquette University Athletics
Marquette University
NCAA Central Regional
Marquette Completes Second Round At NCAA Central Regional
5/16/2008 12:00:00āÆAM | Men's Golf
May 16, 2008
NCAA Central Regional leaderboard (PDF) 
Photo Gallery
COLUMBUS, Ohio - Marquette University cut 15 strokes off of its opening round score during second-round action Friday at the NCAA Central Regional held at the Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio. Although the Golden Eagles didn't move much in the team standings, junior Mike Van Sickle became a contender among the individuals, carding an even-par 71.
Van Sickle, who was two-under and tied for eighth place overall at one point during today's round, was one of the biggest movers on the leaderboard through the front nine after scoring a 76 on Thursday. Van Sickle is currently tied for 18th place. Meanwhile, Marquette moved up one spot and sits in 24th place heading into Saturday's final round.
"We played pretty well on the front nine," said head coach Tim Grogan. "I thought we would continue to make a little bit more of a move and maybe shoot a nice even-par score. On the back, we let a few slip away. That was the difference."
Marquette shot a 299 as each player improved on their respective first round scores, but collectively MU shot 22 over par Friday on the back nine.
"We got out to a very good start," Grogan said. "We just couldn't get over the edge of getting a little more momentum going, but anything could happen tomorrow. We're in a better position to make a little bit of a run tomorrow, but it's going to take an outstanding effort to make up that difference."
Only the top 10 teams from each of the three NCAA regional tournaments will advance to the Championship finals later this month. However, the top two individuals from each regional - not already on an advancing team - will also earn a spot in West Lafayette, May 28-31, something Van Sickle has put himself in strong contention for.
"He'd really played well today, much better than his score indicated," said Grogan. "If he keeps playing like he is, and can get on a little bit of a role, I think he can put himself into one of those top individuals."
Van Sickle was one of 11 players who carded a score of par-or-better today. He nearly sank a 50-foot eagle putt on the par-5 hole 12 before tapping in for birdie. Overall, the MU junior had six birdies on the day, a number that very easily could have neared double digits.
"It was one of those days where you visualize the shot and you hit the shot you just visualized," said Van Sickle. "I really struck the ball well, had some really good putts -- made a couple -- but the way I played I really could've shot something low today, 66 or 67, but it just didn't happen. I really played solidly, but didn't get a whole lot to go in."
Freshman Kelly Kretz also played well. His two-over 74 was the largest margin of improvement on the squad. Kretz shot an 80 on Thursday.
Dustin Schwab will be the first MU player to tee off Saturday at approximately 12:59 p.m. EST, followed by senior Michael Bielawski at 1:09 p.m. Due to the late tee time, Bielawski's travel arrangements needed to be changed so he can walk during Marquette's commencement ceremony on Sunday.
Marquette will be paired with players from Cleveland State and Arkansas for the third round.
2008 NCAA Division I Central Regional
Friday, May 16, 2008 - Round two
Columbus, Ohio
The Scarlet Golf Course
Par 71 / 7,419 yards
MU Individuals
T18) Mike Van Sickle 147 (76-71)
T91) Kelly Kretz 154 (80-74)
T99) Ted Gray 155 (78-77)
T120) Michael Bielawski 158 (81-77)
T120) Dustin Schwab 158 (80-78)
Team Scores 1) Wake Forest 577 (290-287)
2) Alabama 587 (292-295)
T3) Illinois 590 (298-292)
T3) Penn State 590 (304-286)
5) Eastern Kentucky 591 (302-289)
T6) Texas A&M 592 (298-294)
T6) Oklahoma State 592 (293-299)
T8) Florida 594 (294-300)
T8) Louisville 594 (301-293)
T10) Kent State 597 (302-295)
T10) Indiana 597 (300-297)
12) Michigan 598 (298-300)
13) Eastern Michigan 599 (297-302)
14) Lamar 600 (299-301)
15) Tennessee 601 (301-300)
T16) Wichita State 602 (302-300)
T16) Ohio State 602 (299-303)
T18) TCU 604 (302-302)
T18) Colorado 604 (301-303)
T20) Texas-Arlington 606 (308-298)
22) Arkansas 608 (304-304)
23) Cleveland State 612 (313-299)
24) Marquette 613 (314-299)
25) Baylor 616 (307-309)
26) Sacred Heart 627 (316-311)
27) Loyola (Md.) 632 (318-314)
Players Mentioned
