ALTOONA, Wis. – The St. Olaf College men's golf team finished sixth of 22 teams in a strong field at the Wrigglesworth Blugold Invitational on Sunday and Monday at Eau Claire Golf and Country Club.

Competing in a tournament that included five programs that either were ranked or received votes in the Bushnell/Golfweek NCAA Division III Coaches Preseason Poll, St. Olaf placed sixth with a 36-hole team score of 601 (+33) after posting round of 303 (+19) and 298 (+14). The Oles finished two shots ahead of No. 24-ranked Gustavus Adolphus College and nine ahead of Bethel University, which received votes nationally, while trailing only fourth-ranked Illinois Wesleyan University's A and B teams, Saint John's University (received votes), UW-Stout, and UW-Eau Claire (received votes).

Sophomore Ryan Herbst held a share of the lead after 18 holes following a career-low, two-under 69 on Sunday and eventually finished in solo third place (144, +2). Herbst's opening round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-five ninth as part of a two-under 33 on the front nine. For the tournament, the sophomore was tied for first in par-five scoring (-4, 4.33) and tied for sixth in par-four scoring (+4, 4.18), while sitting tied for seventh in the field with five birdies.

Senior Isaac Schmidt finished in a tie for 27th (151, +9) after consistent scores of 76 (+5) and 75 (+4) while ranking tied for third in the field with 25 pars during the 36-hole event. As a team, St. Olaf ranked second in the field in pars (103) and tied for fourth in par-five scoring (-2, 4.93).

Junior Quinn Nevell and sophomore Will Black were both part of a tie for 37th (153, +11). Nevell shot a one-over 72 on Monday to tie his career-low round and tied for fifth for the tournament with six birdies, while Black put together scores of 77 (+6) and 76 (+5).

In its final tournament before the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Championships, St. Olaf will compete at the SJU Fall Invitational on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 20-21 at St. Cloud Country Club and Blackberry Ridge Golf Club.