Dade City, Fla. – The Drake University men's golf team fell to host Ball State, 5-1, but bounced back to beat MVC foe Loyola, 4.5-1.5, to advance to the fifth-place match at the Earl Yestingsmeier Match Play Monday at the Lake Jovita Golf Club in Dade City, Fla.
 
"I was proud how we played today. We competed from start to finish. I think the guys battled their rust and feel better about their games at the end of the day. It was nice to beat a conference opponent in the afternoon match," said Drake head coach Matt Lewis. "The first round we played well. We lost a couple close matches that made a big difference. Chase (Wicklund) played very solid in the morning and made several birdies. The other guys played well but Ball State just played a little better." 
 
Sophomore Chase Wicklund recorded the Bulldogs lone victory in the setback to Ball State. He won 4&2 as he got out to a quick start winning three of the first four holes and then went up four holes on the 10th-hole.
 
In the consolation semifinal, Drake was led by junior Jack Kennedy, who won 6&5. Kennedy managed to get up four holes through the front nine and then eagled and birdied to seal the win. Freshman Tim Lim and Wicklund won 4&3, while junior Tommi Avant won 4&2. Senior Drew Ison managed to win the final two holes to halve his match.
 
"The second round we got up in four matches quickly. Chase, Tommi, Jack and Tim were in control and stayed ahead of their matches. All four won in convincing fashion. Drew and Kyle (MacDonald) were down one to two holes most of the day and battled hard to the finish strong." said Lewis. "The guys really enjoyed playing match play. It was the first time we have played a collegiate match play tournament. We definitely talked about our strategies and plan for our matches. We are looking forward to tomorrow playing against Ohio." 
 
The Bulldogs will square off against Ohio for fifth-place on Tuesday.