FERRIS STATE WINS HILLSDALE INVITATONAL

Ferris State registered its fourth first-place performance of the 2002-03 season as the Bulldogs captured top honors at the Hillsdale Invitational.

Ferris, which held an eight-stroke lead heading into Sunday's final round following a 309 score, shot a final-round 304 (+37) on the Par 72, 7,136-yard Blackberry Patch Golf Course in Coldwater, Mich. The Bulldogs finished four strokes ahead of runner-up Grand Valley State (617, +41) in the six-team tourney field.

Individually, junior Jon Pazdera paced FSU as he tied for fourth place at 152 (76-76--152, +8). Joining him among the top 10 finishers were senior Mitch Flemming, who tied for fourth (75-78--153, +9), and senior Chris Griffin, who shot a two-round 154 score (77-77--154, +10) to place in a second-way tie.

Junior Pat Simmer carded a 158 (85-73--158, +14) to tie for 14th place and senior Jason Brustad rounded out the Bulldogs' scoring with a 30th-place showing (81-89--170, +26).

Three Bulldogs competed in the event as individuals, led by sophomore Aaron Brown, who won medalist honors with a first-place 144 score (72-72--144, E). Junior Everett Leonard tied for 11th place (84-73--157, +13) while senior James Cain (74-84--158, +14) placed tied for 14th.

FSU is idle until May 5-7 when the Bulldogs compete inthe NCAA Division II Great Lakes/Central Super Regional at Bolivar, Mo.