Madonna (Mich.) University won the two-day event that began in very wet conditions on Friday by shooting a two-round total of 635 to edge runner-up Ohio Northern University (645) by 10 strokes. MVNU was third at 651, while Shawnee State University and Heidelberg College tied for fourth place at 662.

Individually, Zack Koinis of Heidelberg earned medalist honors as he carded a nine-over-par 153 to finish two strokes ahead of the nearest competition. Senior Tyler Tinch (left) shot a 155 and earned a spot on the All-Tournament Team to pace the Cougars. Sophomore Alex Carroll fired a 159, while sophomore Jay Ruffner carded a 165. Seniors Jared Schlabach and Matt Kerns registered a 172 and a 179 respectively, while sophomore Cory Palmer (172) and freshman Mitch Justice (193) both participated as at-large individuals.

"Spring golf is here, but spring weather is not,” said MVNU coach Mark Stiverson. "We got off to a tough start on the first day by firing a 326. Tyler’s 77 helped us stay in the hunt on the second day. While everybody was playing in the same weather, it affects some players more than others. The affect can be two different ways. One is the mental affect. Most people don’t like to be in the rain or in the blowing wind. If you can’t block that out, it will affect your disposition on the course, while will directly affect your performance. I remember one player telling me he loved this weather because he knew everyone else hated it. The second affect is on your swing and the flight of the ball. Certain players can adjust their swing to account for the bad weather conditions and extra clothing.”

"The good news is that it is still early in the season,” Stiverson continued. "Although one-third of it is now over, we still have time to regroup and shoot the scores this talented team is capable of. I do not believe there is a lack of trying or practice, but rather one of the ruts and you hope to break out of it before too late. I have a good feeling about this team down the stretch.”

The Cougars will return to action on Monday and Tuesday when they will host the annual MVNU Cougar Invitational at Chapel Hill Golf Course.