The ISU Men’s Golf team came roaring back for a second place tie at the Weibring Intercollegiate, after finishing 12th at last weeks’ meet. The team unleashed a 54-hole score of 886 finishing only three strokes behind meet champ Illinois State. The two day meet took place at the Crestwicke Country Club in Bloomington, Ill. “It was a big improvement from the week before,” head coach Jay Horton said. “Last week was a little disappointing, so it was good to be able to put ourselves in position to win the meet.” Matt Gatchel led the way again for the Cyclones taking home the individual title with a three-day total of 214. “I’m pretty happy with my performance overall, and it always feels good to win a tournament at the college level,” Gatchel said. It was his second win at the collegiate level; last year he won the Drake Relays Invitational. Just behind Gatchel were teammates Josh Clay and Jaime Faidley. Clay ended up with a total of 221 which was good enough for a share of 11th place, while a 223 gave Faidley a tie for 17th. Rounding out the team scores for the Cyclones were Kevin Oswald, who shot a 228, tying him for 29th place, and a 260-stroke, 19th place finish for Phil Slovitt. On the first day of the meet Gatchel shot round scores of 73 and 67. “I played really good in the morning when I shot a 73. I just couldn’t make any putts,” Gatchel said. The real story of the meet was Gatchel’s second round 67. It was the second best single-round score by an ISU golfer on 18-holes. “Matt was our best player last year and continues his great play this year,” Horton said. Gatchel’s final round started off great. “On the last day I started out birdie, birdie, birdie, but then I shot an 8 on a par-three on hole number four,” Gatchel said. After a disastrous fourth hole, Gatchel regrouped making two birdies and an eagle before ending the round with a 74. With great team play on the first day, the Cyclones had set themselves up for a shot at first place finish. “I was a little disappointed that we didn’t win the team title, but at least we had a chance,” Gatchel explained. The second place finish was remarkably better than last week. A team score of 886 at the Weibring Intercollegiate was 44 strokes better than the team score from the previous week. “It’s something to build on because we didn’t have the experience last year and this shows that we’re improving,” Gatchel said. The field should be stronger next week, as the Cyclones travel to Lawrence, Kan. for the Kansas Invitational, Sept. 25 to 26. “I’m excited because we’ve played this course before, and a few Big 12 teams will be present,” Horton said. “I like the course down there, and I think I can do well,” Gatchel said.