In its last regular tournament of the season, the Ball State University men's golf team finished second out of 12 teams at the Fossum Invitational in East Lansing, Mich.
The Cardinals shot a team-combined score of 747, 33 strokes behind winner Michigan State University.
Because play was suspended in the first round due to inclement weather, the final round was shortened to nine holes.
Although Ball State finished second, head coach Mike Fleck said he wasn't overly excited because of the lack of competition.
"We probably finished where we were expected to finish," Fleck said. "Beating Michigan State on its home course is a tough task, but we finished ahead of the teams that we were supposed to beat."
Fleck said that his team was not as sharp as it was performing in recent weeks.
"We had a good finish but how we got there wasn't quite as satisfying," Fleck said. "It just goes back to the point that we weren't as sharp as we could have been. We didn't play particularly well from start to finish. We got by this week, but it won't be good enough next week."
With less than a week before the Mid-American Conference Championships, the Cardinals will use the next three days to practice certain aspects of their game.
"We have two days before heading down for the MAC Tournament," Fleck said. "Our main goal right now is to have a good focused effort and work on our short game and putting."
Senior Brian Maurer, who finished tied for 19th individually, said he is glad the team placed second but realizes the hard work ahead.
"Even though we were second we didn't play very well," Maurer said. "We are happy but we have to be better and definitely have some things to work on like our short game. We just need to make sure everything is in line and where they need to be by Thursday."
Because the MAC Championships will be played at the Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, the Cardinals have an advantage in being well acquainted with the course.
"Obviously it helps out," Fleck said. "It is a course we are familiar with and have played well there in the past. We know how to manage the golf course and where to hit it. It is an advantage but it doesn't guarantee anything. You still have to put up good numbers and have a good mindset."
For Maurer, the MAC Championships point toward the end of his collegiate career.
"This is why we have been practicing so hard," Maurer said. "We have a great group that will be playing and some good things can happen to this program. It's time for everyone to come together and find out the best team and players from the MAC. I'm confident and excited to play and as a senior it's a great way to go out with a bang."
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