Connor Rowland | Contributor
The 21st-ranked Taylor men's golf squad marked yet another top-two finish as they tied for second in the Stacked Field at the Wildcat Cup.
Freshman Alec Dutkowski provided a team leading two-round total of 1-under par 143 to pace the Trojans. Dutkowski set a career-low round of his career in the morning round on Tuesday. The freshman sunk seven birdies at the 72-par layout of the Brickyard Country Club and finished with a 69. The nightcap solidified his terrific performance; he shot a 74 to notch the fourth top-5 finish for the freshman.
Prior to the match, the Crossroads League tabbed sophomore Mitch Lamping as the Golfer of the Week. Lamping became the third Taylor golfer this spring to receive the distinguished award as the league's top golfer. Lamping refused to have a fallout after his award and scored a 74 in the morning round to aid the Trojans' efforts.
"We all played pretty well. I got off to a good start," Lamping said. "I remember a lot of pars and a couple birdies. I actually made three birdies in a row including a chip-in. I was a couple under at that point. I kind of coasted on from there."
The afternoon proved to be just as profitable as the morning tee time, with Dutkowski, sophomore Trey Turner and freshman Jeremy Ray each shooting a 74 for an overall team score of 297 (+9).
The University of Northwestern Ohio claimed title with a score of 588 to beat the nationally ranked Trojans by just three shots. However, the Trojans edged out two other teams ranked in the top 25, including Crossroads League rivals No. 16 Marian and No. 8 Grand View.
"It's great hearing stories of other people's rounds. Everyone played well and the tournament overall went pretty well," Lamping said.
Throughout the spring the Trojans have dominated, finishing second and above in four events thus far. No. 21 Taylor is back in action at 12 p.m. at the Battle at Blackthorn on a Friday and Saturday affair.
"Photograph provided by TU Sports Information Department"
