DECATUR, ILL.— Shooting its lowest team score of the spring Saturday, the Central College men’s golf team moved up a spot for a fifth-place finish at the Take Back The Night Challenge hosted by Millikin University.
           
The action moved to the South Side Country Club Blue Course Saturday and Central played well on the Par-71, 6,375-yard course. The Dutch carded a 296 for the day, finishing 304-296—600 and in fifth place. Illinois Wesleyan University was the team winner with a score of 287-283—570.
           
“We played our best round of the spring today,” coach Mel Blasi said. “All five guys played well on the front nine, which we played even par. And even though we slipped a little on the back nine, we were steady in windy and cold conditions.”
           
John Oltman (senior, Pella) had his first top-10 finish of the season with a score of 74-73—147 to share eighth place.
           
“John had a great all-around tournament,” Blasi said.
           
Matching Oltman’s final round score, Cole McGriff (senior, Grinnell) finished tied for 11th at 75-73—148.
           
“That was Cole’s best tournament of the season,” Blasi said.
           
Harold Dobernecker (senior, Nevada) finished tied for 20th with a 75-75—150. Blake Wynn (sophomore, Milan, Ill., Sherrard HS) finished tied for 43rd at 80-75—155 and Kayden Pendergrass (junior, Mount Vernon) tied for 71st at 80-80—160.
           
Playing as an at-large entrant, Jacob Moffett (senior, Mount Pleasant) shot a 75 Saturday, finishing tied for 14th with a 74-75—149.
           
Preparations move towards the American Rivers Conference Championships starting April 28 in West Des Moines at Glen Oaks Golf Course.
           
“We have a week to prepare for the conference championships,” Blasi said. “We have a few things to iron out, but I like the way we are trending.”