AVON, Ind. -- The Eastern Illinois men's golf squad officially opened spring season this week, capturing a fifth place finish at the rain-shortened Butler Spring Invitational at the Par 71, 6,630-yard Prestwick Country just outside Indianapolis.

Leading all Panthers was sophomore Gino Parrodi, who finished tied for fourth with a one-over-par 72.

Sophomore David Lawrence and senior Matt Bird also finished in the Top 25 (of 50), with a four-over and six-over score of 75 and 77 to finish T-18 and T-25th, respectively.

Rounding out the Panther contingent was sophomore Sean Dozier with an eight-over 79 to tie for 29th, while junior Francisco Cherizola shot a nine-over 80 to tie for 35th.

Loyola (Chicago) won the team trophy behind Dylan Gergen's one-under 70 score, while local rival Evansville took third.  WI-Green Bay finished just one stroke ahead of the Panthers to take fourth.  EIU did out-distance the host Butler Bulldogs (7th) and IUPUI (9th).

Eastern will continue play, taking part in the annual Western Illinois Invitational at WIU's own Harry Mussato Golf Course in Macomb later this week, with practice round set for March 28, and then two days of play on March 29-30.

... for more info, contact Bart Rettberg, Asst. SID