MADISON, Ill. – University of Southern Indiana Men's Golf finished 12th in the Dolenc Invitational Tuesday afternoon in Madison, Illinois. The tournament was hosted by Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville at the Gateway National Golf Links.
 
Day 1 (36 holes):
USI was tied for fourth after the first round, posting a three-tournament best 279 during the first 18 holes of the tournament. The Screaming Eagles were propelled by a three-under 68 by freshman Ben Christian, a two-under 69 by graduate Sam Gargis, and a one-under 70 by senior Carter Goebel.
 
Christian led the way with three birdies and an eagle in the first 18 holes, while Goebel and Gargis had five birdies and four birdies, respectively.
 
The Eagles dropped out of the top 10 as a team during the second round, posting an eight-over 292. Christian continued to pace USI's second 36 holes with a 70 and was tied for 13^th with a two-round 138.
 
Day 2 (18 holes):
The Eagles completed the third round with a one-over 285, led by Goebel and junior Hunter Reynolds with identical one-under 70s. Goebel completed his round with five birdies and a pair of birdies, while Reynolds had one birdie to his one-under round.
 
Final Results:
The Eagles completed the three-round Dolenc Invitational with a four-over as a team, 856 (279-292-285). The University of Idaho won the tournament with a 31-under 821 (274-274-273).
 
Christian was USI's top finisher, tying for 18^th with a three-under 210 (68-70-72). Sophomore Chandler Ornelas followed by tying for 43^rd with a 215 (71-72-72), while Gargis (69-74-73) and Goebel (70-76-70) tied for 51^st with a pair of 216 tournaments.
 
NEXT UP FOR USI:
USI travels to Newton, Kansas, October 5-7 to continue the 2025-26 fall season by playing in Wichita State University's Grier Jones Shocker Invitational. The tournament is being played at the Sand Creek Station Golf Course.
 
The Eagles finished 12^th of 14 teams in the Grier Jones Shocker Invitational last year, posting an 891(305-287-299) in the 54-hole tournament. Goebel is the top returning scorer from last year's team, posting a 232 (81-75-76) a year ago to tie for 67^th. Junior Hunter Reynolds followed in 83^rd with a 246 (80-86-80).
 
The tournament will include USI, Wichita State, SIUE, Odessa College, Drake University, University of the Incarnate Word, University of Missouri-Kansas City, South Dakota State University, University of Northern Iowa, University of South Dakota, University of St. Thomas, University of Nebraska Omaha, Indiana Hills Community College, Midland College, Hutchinson Community College, and Dodge City Community College.