JOLIET, Ill. - Ashford University men's golf freshman Nac Huachai of Windermere, Fla., carded an even-par 72 at the University of St. Francis Invitational on Tuesday, tying for runner-up honors in the spring opener.

he Saints took 11th place overall as a team in the 16-team field, putting together a cumulative 18-hole total of 324 (+36) on the par-72 layout at Wedgewood Golf Course.

Huachai was among a three-way tie for first with University of St. Francis' (Ill.) Grant Whybark and Nick Guido of North Central College at the end of regulation, but unusual scorecard tie-breaking criteria was issued based on the low score on the 12th hole, deemed by coaches as the most difficult hole.

Huachai returned to the clubhouse after his round to learn that Whybark had also shot a 72 and both awaited results from Guido.

Guido made birdie on No. 12 while Huachai and Whybark each bogeyed.

"I was pleased with the results, but it was tough to get the speed of the putting down," Huachai said. "I had a couple three-putts and it proved to be my Achilles' heel at this tournament. I definitely thought I was hitting good."

The long-hitting Huachai blistered the Wedgewood par-5's, recording three birdies in four tries. He hit the green in two twice on the longest holes and canceled four bogeys with four birdies on the day.

It was a great start to the spring for the freshman, who carried over a number of top-10 placings from the fall season, including a runner-up effort at the Iowa Wesleyan Fun Classic.

Freshman Lucas Mulholland of Mt. Vernon was packed in a six-way tie for 15th after posting a round of 4-over par 76. He shot an even 36 on the front nine.

Senior Kyle Mantick of Peoria, Ill., made his debut on the links with a 12-over par 84. Mantick joined the team this spring after serving as a midfielder on the Saints' NAIA Championship-qualifying soccer team.

Sophomore Colt Ostrum of Mount Carroll, Ill., carded a 92 to tie for 83rd. Justin Fritz, also of Mount Carroll, Ill., pulled in at 89th, firing a round of 102.

Up next for the Saints is the Midwest Collegiate Conference Championships, a two-day tournament in Oskaloosa. Ashford will tee it up this Friday and extend play into Saturday. The event is being hosted by William Penn University.