WAVERLY, IOWA – Led by the play of juniors Brenden Bassing and JJ Cooney, the University of Sioux Falls Men's Golf Team finished the opening round in fifth place in team points at the Upper Iowa Invitational which opened Saturday (March 30) with cold temperatures (35 degrees) and heavy wind at the Prairie Links Golf Club. The tournament will conclude with a second 18-hole round with an 11 am shotgun start on Sunday, March 31.

On the par 72, 6,614-yard course, USF finished at 38 over par with a 326 after one round of play. Minnesota State leads the tournament after carding 25 over par 313. Upper Iowa is second at 28 over par and 316 followed by St. Cloud State at 29 over par 317 and Bemidji State at 31 over par 319. After USF in fifth, Augustana is sixth at 46 over par and 334.

Bassing was USF's top individual performer as he was ninth with a seven over par 79. Also in the top 10 for USF was Cooney, who had an eight over par 80.  Sophomore Jacob Zosel was tied for 18^th with an 11-over par 83. Freshman Jack Evans finished tied for 23^rd with a 12 over par 84. Also for USF, junior Blake Berry was 40^th with a 19^th over par 91.