The host Pioneers finished with a two-day team total of 571 to finish five strokes under par as a team for the tournament and 25 strokes ahead of runner-up Ohio Dominican University (596). The University of Northwestern Ohio (622), Notre Dame College (635), and MVNU (642) rounded out the top five in the nine-team field that also included Walsh University (643), Tiffin University (644), Lake Erie College (646), and Mount Union College (671).

Individually, Malone’s Ben Smith edged teammate Richie Schembechler for medalist honors on the first hole of a sudden death playoff after both players tied with two-under-par 142s after two rounds. Smith posted a five-under-par 67 on the final day to earn a spot in the playoff.

Senior Jared Schlabach (left) led the Cougars with a 152 to finish tied for 14th place overall, while senior Tyler Tinch posted a 159. Sophomore Corey Palmer (166), senior Matt Kerns (167), and sophomore Jay Ruffner (169) rounded out the scoring for MVNU.

The Cougars will be back in action on Monday when the team travels to the Cedarville Invitational that will take place at Beavercreek Golf Course and then the Country Club of the North on Tuesday.