Yong medals as Mustangs storm back for runner-up finish

NIOBRARA, Neb. - After a difficult first round of the Tatanka Fall Invite, the Mount Mercy men's golf team improved by an impressive 16 strokes in round two for a runner-up finish on Tuesday. Mount Mercy's team score of 294 was the second lowest of any team in the tournament and it allowed them to jump up two spots from the first round's score of 310.

Host, University of Jamestown (N.D.) led from the first hole and never looked back finishing at 588 (291-297). Mount Mercy was second (604=310-294), Dordt was third (614=300-314), Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.) was fourth (616=311-305) and Briar Cliff rounded out the top five (630=307-323).

Four of the five Mustangs improved their scores from round one to round two, contributing to the impressive comeback. Sitting in 14th place after round one, Yong rallied with five birdies in the second round, highlighted by back-to-back on holes 12 and 13. His three-under-par, 69, was just enough to take home the individual title at 145 (76-69), outing Benjamin Schaefer (146=73-73) of Jamestown. Ziwen Zhong tied for sixth (151=75-76), Lincoln Beckett (155=78-77) and Theo Baker (155=81-74) tied for 16th, and Miguell Crespin tied for 22nd (157=82-75).

Also competing for Mount Mercy were two individuals, Dylan Tan and Dominic McCain. That duo played very well as they both finished in the top-10. McCain tied for sixth (151=75-76) and Dylan Tan was 10th (152=75-77). 

The Mustangs have a short turnaround as they will head to Grand Rapids, Mich. to play in the Egypt Valley Invite next Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 16-17. Tee times have not yet been announced for the two day event at Egypt Valley Country Club.