After winning its first tournament of the season last weekend, the Ball State University men's golf team kept the success going by tying for second at the 16-team Marshall Invitational at the Guyan Golf and Country Club in Huntington, W.Va. The Cardinals had a team-combined score of 869, 14 strokes behind winner Illinois University. Ball State tied with Xavier University, but finished ahead of the four Mid-American Conference schools: Miami University, Ohio University, Bowling Green University and Northern Illinois University.
"It was another productive event for us," coach Mike Fleck said. "We have been able to string a couple tournaments together in terms of being successful and showing consistency. I am pleased with our effort and it was important to do well against the other MAC schools and establish ourselves within the conference."
Senior Brian Maurer tied for fourth among the 84 golfers and led all Cardinals with a 74, 70 and 71 for a total of 215. Although Maurer stood out individually, he said team success is more important.
"Obviously it was a successful week for us," Maurer said. "Second place and being the best MAC school is awesome. If I wanted to play individually I would be playing somewhere else though. But I am playing for Ball State and it is my job to help this team succeed. It is definitely more important than any individual success and helping the team is the best thing you can do at the end of the week and not what you can do individually."
Despite playing two tournaments in two weeks and having another scheduled in five days, Fleck said he thinks it helps his players stay focused.
"We have been dealing with short weeks but our guys are starting to click and get confidence at just the right time," Fleck said.
"The team perspective is great and they know what this time of year is all about. Despite the short week, our preparation has been good and the results show that."
Maurer said the shorter weeks help him as a player because he does not have time to get distracted.
"I think the quick turnarounds and short weeks are helping us as a team," Maurer said. "We don't have time to sit and dwell on golf. We have more confidence and I am beginning to see a different demeanor with the team. This is the first time this season I have seen all five guys on the same page."
Fleck said he is hoping his team will build on the last two weeks and continue the success on Friday as the Cardinals travel to Arizona for the Arizona State Thunderbird Invitational.
"We are faced with another challenge and short week, but it is important the team prepares well," Fleck said.
"They know what is expected and they will prepare to their best ability so they can be ready. The guys are starting to get confidence and that is creating the team success. The chemistry is coming along and I am expecting and hoping that we continue to make progress as we head toward the MAC Championships in May."
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