PERRY PARK - The Carthage College men's golf team earned a first-place finish at the Klash in Kentucky hosted at the Perry Park Golf Resort in Perry Park, Kentucky, on Saturday and Sunday. The Firebirds posted rounds of 307 and 304 for a total score of 611 (+27). The highlight of the day came from Brett Vandergrift, who won individually, carding a 147 (+1). 


The Firebirds' first team was led by Vandergrift, finishing in first place, carding 147 (+1). Following right behind, Ethan Fasch carded a 154 (+8) for a second place finish. Tying in eighth place, James Tyrrell and Tayt Hager carded 158s (+12). In 16th place, Nick Barry and Jack Crispo tied, scoring 161 (+15). 

The Firebirds' second team was led by Logan Westman and Joey Luna, tying for 11th place and scoring 159 (+13). Jacob Jenkins placed 13th, scoring 160 (+14). Ryan Jermier scored 165 (+19), finishing in 24th place. Elliot Leibham placed 24th, scoring 165 (+19). 


"We make this trip to Kentucky each spring to see green grass, hopefully get some sunshine, and get our spring tournament season started," said head coach Jay Christiansen. "After four months indoors, it is important to get some competition on a really good course, and get a good test in against good players besides ourselves before our killer spring invitational schedule kicks in. Although you always want to play better, Perry Park played very tough, and we managed to meet some of our big goals. Eleven of our top players got two tournament rounds on a long and challenging course, we got the team wins, we saw Brett get a nice first day lead and then handle the pressure on day 2 to grab medalist and the individual win, and both teams got better and more confident with each nine. Next weekend, we travel to Bloomington to play in the premier midwestern tournament of the spring. We have been working very hard to get ourselves ready for that opportunity, and this was an excellent prep event for us."


The Firebirds will be back in action on Friday, April 3, at the IWU Spring Invite, hosted by Illinois Wesleyan. For more information, visit our athletics.carthage.edu.