Leathernecks, Peterman take second at Branson Creek Invitational

HOLLISTER, Mo. — The Western Illinois men's golf team settled on second place in the Branson Creek Invitational after losing a one-hole playoff to tournament champion Stephen F. Austin Tuesday, April 6.

The Fighting Leathernecks matched the Lumberjacks' three-round score of 890 in regulation, but SFA shot one stroke lower in a playoff on the 18th hole at Branson Creek Golf Course to seal the win.

“We had a chance to win again, and that is what you want,” Western Illinois coach Mel Blasi said. “It was a good tournament for us. We have been very consistent.”

Western Illinois senior Kyle Peterman continued his impressive spring with a second-place individual finish at 215 (72-74-69). Peterman has placed either first or second in the team's last four tournaments.

Behind Peterman, senior Ryan Franks turned in a steady 222 (76-73-73) to tie for seventh while Brian Scott tied for 16th at 224 (71-77-76), Jake Weeber placed 36th at 233 (74-76-83) and Konrad Deka tied for 38th at 236 (80-75-81).

“We hung in there today. Kyle's 69 and Ryan's 73 were really good scores today in the windy conditions,” Blasi said. “Brian Scott was playing injured and he still shot 76. We just couldn't get a fourth score. If we could have gotten one more score, we could have won.”

Playing as an individual, sophomore Andrew Godfrey tied a career best with a 69 in the first round en route to a tie for seventh place at 222 (69-75-78).

The Leathernecks travel to Iowa City, Iowa, April 17-18 to compete in the Hawkeye Invitational, of which Western is the two-time defending champion. The Leathernecks won the Hawkeye Invite in the falls of 2006 and 2007 before the tournament took a two-year hiatus. The Hawkeye Invite is the team's last tournament before competing in The Summit League Championships April 25-27 at St. George, Utah.

“We want to be competitive at Iowa, and I think we can be. I think we have the experience and the talent to be competitive,” Blasi said. “It gives us a chance to play against a Big Ten school and a lot of other mid-majors like us. It will be a great warm up before conference.”

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