DUBUQUE, Iowa - The Ashford University men's golf program kicked off the 2010 fall season on a high note earlier today, finishing fourth out of an eight-team field at the Clarke University Early Fall Invitational. Playing at Lacoma Golf Course in East Dubuque, Ill., the Saints collectively shot 336 (+52) in the first meet under Head Coach Josh Heiple.

Following the match, Heiple believes that his squad will only get better as the season progresses.

"This team is starting to understand the amount of work it will take to be competitive," said Heiple. "This gave all of us glimpse of where we are right now and some motivation to work hard to keep improving."

Freshman Casey Anderson of Angola, Ind., earned the highest finish for the Saints, placing 10th overall after shooting an 11-over-par 81 (40-41). Anderson finished 10 shots behind medalist Jacob Thomas of AIB, who shot an even-par 71.

Closely behind Anderson was junior John Staranko of Sterling, Ill., (41-42--83) who finished tied for 13th, and 17th-place finisher junior Kyle Peterson of Moline, Ill., who shot a 14-over-par 85 (44-41).

Fellow Moline native Glen Hostens used a solid back nine to finish tied for 19th (46-41--87) and sophomore Tyler Murphy of DeWitt tied for 23rd after shooting a 17-over-par 88 (42-46).

AIB Community College won the team title with a collective score of 307, while host and fellow Midwest Collegiate Conference member Clarke shot 324 (+40) to finish third.

The Saints are back in action on Saturday, Sept. 11, for the Cropper Golf Classic at Hunters Ridge Golf Course in Cedar Rapids.

Clarke Early Fall Invitational Results
1. AIB C.C.        307 (+23)
2. Judson College    317 (+33)
3. Clarke University    324 (+40)
4. Ashford University    336 (+52)
5. U. of Dubuque JV    354 (+70)
6. Judson College JV    364 (+80)
7. Clarke University JV    366 (+82)
8. William Penn U. JV    373 (+89)