April 1, 2000
WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – Notre Dame senior captain Todd Vernon tied for fourth but the Irish slipped into a share of 10th, in final-round action Saturday at the University of Kentucky Johnny Owens Invitational.
Vernon turned in one of the best showings of his career while leading the Irish for the ninth time in his career, posting rounds of 72-74 on Saturday before closing with a 72 for a two-over 218 at the 6,987-yard Kearney Hill Golf Links.
Notre Dame was tied for eighth after the first round (303-300) before dropping into a share of 10th in the 16-team tournament, with a final-round 304 for a 907 total. Senior Jeff Connell (77-72-78/227) turned in his best score in the second round while sophomore Steve Ratay improved slightly in the final round (78-78-76/232). Junior Alex Anderson turned in rounds of 79-76-78 (233) while his classmate Alex Kent totaled 236 while battling illness (76-82-78).
Louisville came on strong to win the event in the final round, closing with a 287 to edge Marshall by six strokes (876-882). Marshall’s Sam O’Dell captured medalist honors (70-70-71/211), edging Louisville’s Chris Campbell by three strokes.
Final individual results were not available as of Saturday night.
FINAL TEAM STANDINGS: 1. Louisville 286-303-287/876, 2. Marshall 296-291-295/882, 3. Western Kentucky 291-297-297/885, 4. Ohio 294-300-295/889, 5. Morehead State 294-298-300/892, 6. Eastern Michigan 304-297-293/894, 7. Xavier 304-301-290/895, 8. Kentucky 308-295-298/901, 9. Miami (Ohio) 306-305-292/903, 10. Notre Dame 303-300-304/907, Ball State 305-299-303/907, Eastern Kentucky 304-302-301/907, 13. Wright State 305-304-313/922, 14. Akron 320-300-310/930, Youngstown State 322-302-306/930, 16. Murray State 321-303-307/931.
Top Individuals: 1. Sam O’Dell (MAR) 70-70-71/211, 2. Chris Campbell (LOU) 71-76-67/214, 3. Eric Mason (WKY) 73-70-73/216, 4. Todd Vernon (ND) 72-74-72/218, Grant Sturgeon (LOU). 218.
Other Notre Dame Scores: Jeff Connell 77-72-78/227, Steve Ratay 78-78-76/232, Adam Anderson 79-76-78/233, Alex Kent 76-82-78/236.