The Valparaiso men’s golf team put itself in prime position to capture its second tournament championship of the season, as the Crusaders closed out the first 36 holes of the 54-hole Wright State Invitational on Sunday in second place out of nine competing teams.

The Crusaders posted team rounds of 293 and 296 on Sunday to end the day with a total score of 589 over 36 holes, good for second place, seven strokes back of team leader Northern Kentucky.  In a possible preview of the 2015 Horizon League Championship, all seven league schools which sponsor men’s golf are competing at the tournament, with the Crusaders three strokes clear of host Wright State in the race among league teams.

"Our team scoring this spring continues to be consistent, but we are still leaving opportunities out there on the golf course to play better," said Crusader head coach David Gring.  "We have to improve in eliminating our three-putts, short-sides around the green, and Par-three scoring.  If we can improve those three areas tomorrow, we should have a terrific day."

Redshirt junior Jared Magoline (Fond du Lac, Wis./Fond du Lac [Marquette]) posted his second-best round of the year to cap a day which he finished in second place individually out of the 64 competing golfers.  Magoline opened the tournament with a round of 72 before posting a 69 on his second circuit, ending Sunday at 141, just one stroke behind Wright State’s Nicholas Scott on the individual leaderboard.

"Jared's wedge play and putting were phenomenal today," said Gring.  "He had 28 putts in the first round and 25 putts in the second round.  These greens are very challenging and Jared was masterful with his short game during both rounds."

Sophomore Peter Webb (Madison, Wis./James Madison Memorial) enters the final round of action in a tie for 12^th place at 148 (76-72), while fellow sophomore Nick Seitz (Xenia, Ohio/Carroll) is two strokes back in a tie for 18^th position following rounds of 74 and 76 to close at 150.  Seniors Joe Harris (Washington, Iowa/Washington) and Eric Winters (Elgin, Ill./St. Edward) are in a tie for 30^th and 38^th place with two-round scores of 153 and 155, respectively. 

Valparaiso looks to move up and claim the team title at the Wright State Invitational on Monday morning, as the tournament concludes with a final 18-hole round.