The host Pioneers, who are ranked 10th in the NAIA preseason poll, posted a two-day total of 581 to win the event. The Cougars, who posted scores of 298-301, finished with a 599, to edge third-place Indiana Wesleyan University (600), who received votes in the NAIA preseason poll.

“I was very pleased with our position at the end of the first day,” said MVNU head coach Mark Stiverson. “We put together a decent first day, which was not our norm all last year or in the first tournament this year. However, we did not capitalize on that advantage and make up ground on the leader.”

“I was very proud of the guys for hanging in there the second day and maintaining second place,” added Stiverson. “There were a couple of guys who were struggling and could have given up. But, they kept grinding away knowing that one of their scores would have to be used.”

Individually, Malone’s Darren Phipps carded a two-under-par 142 to edge teammate Ben Smith (143) for medalist honors. MVNU seniors Preston Knight and Tim Hepner (left) each shot a 148 to finish tied for seventh overall, while junior Tyler Tinch posted a 152. Senior Anthony Savage and junior Jared Schlabach rounded out the scoring with a 155 each.

While the MVNU ‘A’ team was competing at the Malone Invitational, the other five members of the squad competed at the Urbana University Fall Invitational on Friday at Woodland Golf Club in Cable, Ohio.

Cedarville University won the one-day, 27-hole event with a 456 to edge the host Blue Knights (462). The Cougars finished fifth out of seven teams with a 488 total.

Individually, Jason Smith of Owens Tech Community College won medalist honors on a playoff with teammate Jimmy Bell as each player finished with a two-over-par 110. MVNU freshman Chris O’Hara tied for fifth place with a 113 to lead the Cougars. Freshmen Jay Ruffner and Alex Carroll carded a 123 and a 124 respectively, while freshman Cory Palmer finished with a 128. Junior Matt Kerns rounded out the scoring with a 131.  (Urbana Fall Invitational Results)

“I was very pleased with Chris’ performance,” said Stiverson. “He is proving to me that he is a competitor and wants to be on the ‘A’ team. Most of the guys were getting their first experience in a college tournament atmosphere where many good players are assembled. I believe many lessons were learned from this event. It should trigger some positive thoughts and practices in the future. This was a good test for these players.”

The Cougars will now take a couple weeks off from playing in tournaments to concentrate on practicing before returning to action on October 8-9 at the National Christian College Athletic Association national tournament in Panama City, Florida.

“We have our work cut out for us if we want to advance in our conference,” said Stiverson. “It is not a matter of talent. It appears to be a matter of execution in tournament play. We post great scores in practice and qualifiers. That’s good, but obviously we need to play better during intense pressure times when it really matters.”

“I am not discouraged,” Stiverson continued. “I do not think the players are either. We have a couple of weeks before we head off to the NCCAA tournament. This is our really big show. I know the seniors will do everything they can to focus themselves and their teammates to prepare for this major.”