Trojans Rally for Fourth Title of Season

NOBLESVILLE, IN. – The Taylor men's golf team tallied a blistering team score of 290 (+2) in cold, windy conditions to collect its fourth tournament title of the season on Saturday.

The Trojans entered Saturday's final round in a three-way tie for second place, three shots behind Northwestern Ohio but TU quickly erased the deficit and eventually pulled away from the field for a seven-shot victory.

Junior Erik Fahlen led the way for the 18th-ranked Trojans. The Grand Rapids, Michigan native tallied scores of 75-71 to earn a runner-up finish. Fahlen's two-day total of 146 is his best 36-hole tournament total of the season and his final round 71 marks his low round of the season as well. Fahlen finished second in the field with eight birdies.

Joining Fahlen in red numbers during the final round was redshirt-junior Javan Johnson who carded three birdies in his final six holes, including a birdie on the closing par-5 18th hole to finish with a 71. Johnson earned a tie for seventh place with a two-day total of 151 (80-71).

Junior Drew Pickering earned a spot on the all-tournament team with a two-day total of 150 to finish tied for fifth place. Pickering posted an opening round 77 and managed a 73 in the final round.

Sophomore Adam Kasitz finished tied for 13th with scores of 78-75 while junior Noah Ross finished tied for 16th with tallies of 80-75.

The Trojans led the field in pars (106) and birdies (24) while dominating the par-5's at a tournament-best clip of 7-under par.

The Taylor reserve squad also added a solid showing. Junior Payne Moses earned a top-10 finish with scores of 74-78 followed by sophomore Austin Davis (T-28, 77-84). Senior Jason Iler added scores of 85-77 to finish tied for 31st while senior Sam Yeager posted scores of 84-79, freshman Tommy McWatters shot 82-82 and sophomore Lance VanErmen signed for 83-85.

The Trojans managed a two-round team score of 600 (310-290) while Northwestern Ohio finished at 607 (307-300). Mount Mercy took third place at 612 (310-302) followed by Holy Cross at 615 (310-305). Taylor also finished ahead of Crossroads League foes Saint Francis (645) and Mount Vernon Nazarene (652).

The Trojans will face a quick turnaround as TU travels south to compete in the Roadrunner Classic, hosted by Dalton State at The Farm in Dalton, Georgia. The field at the Roadrunner Classic will feature twelve teams all ranked inside the top 21 of the most recent NAIA Coaches Poll.