AUGUSTA, Mich. - The NMU men's golf team wrapped up competition from the GLIAC Championships from the Stoatin Brae Club with their second round +13 (297), giving them a weekend total of +39 (607) to finish 8th overall.
"Great finish by Arthur [Ylitalo] as a freshman in his first GLIAC Championship," stated head coach
Eric Johnson, who saw
Arthur Ylitalo lead the 'Cats with his even round of 71 with three birdies today. "Obviously we are disappointed in our finish, but we know we have the ability to be right there. Definitely a lot of positive things to build on for next year."
Grand Valley State (-11), Wayne State (+15), Ferris State (+18), and Saginaw Valley State (+21) all advanced to the match play section of the tournament. Over the weekend, the 'Cats played the par 5's at -8, second-best to only Grand Valley State, and recorded the fourth-most birdies with 19.
Arthur Ylitalo posted an even round of 71 to lead the 'Cats today, including three birdies and a -2 34 on the front nine to give him a weekend total of +8 to finish T23. Brother
Walter Ylitalo posted the second-best round two score at +3 74 with two birdies, giving him a weekend total of +10 to finish T25 individually.
Russel Sprecher posted a round of +4 75 with one birdie to give him a weekend total of +6 and finish T17. Both
Eric Yun and
Tyler Annala posted rounds of +6 77, with Annala posting three birdies.
Over the weekend, the group of Sprecher, Annala, and both Ylitalo's all played the par 5's at -2 individually, the fourth-best par-five scoring among the field. Sprecher posted 27 pars over two rounds, second among the field, and Arthur posted six birdies, only two off the lead of eight.