Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's men's golf team concluded the Missouri Valley Conference Championship in West Des Moines, Iowa, with a seventh-place finish. The Salukis initially mounted a comeback with the second-best score on day two, moving up from tenth place. However, they faltered in the final round with the highest score of the day at 298 (+10), trailing tournament winners Illinois State by 27 strokes.

Commenting on the results, Head Coach Justin Fetcho highlighted the significance of confidence: “When you get to the championship portion of your season, you have to come in with an unwavering confidence because you've put in the work all year long and I think for us, we could withstand one mistake or one missed shot, but we couldn't get over the hump of doing whatever it takes to score.”

Despite the overall disappointment, team member Anthony De Schutter received personal accolades, being named to the All-Conference team and earning the MVC's Newcomer of the Year title for the 2024-25 season. Coach Fetcho praised De Schutter: "Anthony has an incredible year. He was a consistent performer for us and I am glad to see his accomplishments and hard work get recognized."

The individual performances placed the Salukis seventh, with scores as follows:

- Team: 7th, 883 (+19)

- Frank Bellino: T-13th, 218 (+2)

- Oliver Ulrich: 17th, 220 (+4)

- Lucas Lasley: T-22nd, 222 (+6)

- Leon Heitz: T-24th, 223 (+7)

- Anthony De Schutter: T-30th, 225 (+23)

Fetcho acknowledged the team's high aspirations, reflecting on their season’s outcome: "We set out with a big goal this year and unfortunately we weren't able to accomplish it. We've tried to set the bar high here which is why the way things finished this year stings pretty hard."

As the 2024-25 season concludes, preparations will begin for the next season. For further updates on the team, follow their social media accounts.