Senior Brian Andersons experience paid off in the final round of the Stevinson Ranch Invitational as he battled the elements to score one above par and tied for fifth out of 75 players on Tuesday.
Anderson played really solid and was able to finish high in a high caliber field, head coach Harland Kilborn said.
Not only was Anderson (69-70-73=212) able to ace a tough par three this tournament, but he also fired a his lowest three round total of his career with a 212. Breaking his past best (214) by 2 stokes, which he hit last year when he won the Branson Creek Invitational.
To finish that high in this competition will help him in the NCAA, two individuals are sent to compete in the NCAA tournament and he has a good chance, Kilborn said.
Although Kilborn was pleased with Andersons play, the other players were not as consistent.
The problem is we could not get four low scores together, and you have to have that if you want to move up, Kilborn said. Its just disappointing that the team couldnt get it together for this tournament.
Matt Maskel (82-71-73=226) struggled in the first round but improved for the next two by shooting 2-under par and then just one over to tie for 46th. Kyle Vasel (74-73-85=232) finished 63rd, Kris Wildenradt (82-78-76=236) tied for 68th, while Denny Bull (77-77-83=237) placed 70th. As a team the Birds (302-291-305=898) tied for 13th.
Iowa States Tyler Swanson (68-67-71=206) maintained his first place standing to earn medalist honors.
Kansas won the tournament by firing a team total of 858, with instate rival Kansas State (861) taking second. Iowa State finished third after shooting an 865.
The Birds will be back in action Monday, April 5 at the Branson Creek invitational.
