NOBLESVILLE, Ind.—The UIndy men's golf team punched its ticket to Nationals on Saturday, taking fourth place at the NCAA DII Midwest/Central Regional. The Greyhounds' top-six finish earned them a return trip to the NCAA DII Championships, ensuring their first back-to-back appearances at Nationals since 2008 and '09.
 
Battling a rainy first two rounds and a still-wet and windy third, UIndy carded scores of 300-295-299 to finish firmly in an advancing position. The 20-team Midwest/Central Regional was held at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, Ind.
 
Fifth-year senior Oliver Mast (-1) capped a tremendous week with an even-par 72 in Saturday's final round. He just missed earning the program's first-ever regional medal, as he settled for runner-up honors. Mast birdied the 54th and final hole of the tournament to force a sudden-death playoff, but came up one stroke short in a playoff versus Grand Valley's Charles Delong.
 
Keegan Bronnenberg fired a one-over 73 on Saturday to help the Hounds hold off a number of would-be advancers. The Muncie, Ind., native jumped up 18 spots in the final round, finishing at T-21.
 
CJ Jones also had some big moments this week, including a one-under 71 in the second round. He went on to finish at +10 the tie for 38th. Cam Carroll and Jacob Nickell each carded a 77 on Saturday to finish at +15 and +21, respectively.
 
The 2022 NCAA DII Championships are scheduled for May 16-20 in Dearborn, Mich. Last year at Nationals, Bronnenberg captured the program's first individual national championship, while the team earned its first trip to the national semifinals.


FRIDAY
The Hounds improved their standing at the 2022 NCAA DII Midwest/Central Regional, held at Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, Ind. With the field finishing up the final handful of remaining holes of round two Friday morning, the Greyhounds clawed their way into the top five as the biggest mover of the second round.
 
The Hounds handled the wet and rainy conditions of Thursday afternoon/evening and Friday morning better than most, carding a team score of 295 – the third-lowest team score of the second round. The performance vaulted UIndy from 15th place after 18 holes into a share of fifth.
 
The top six teams after Saturday's final round, as well as the top two individuals not with those teams with advance to the NCAA DII Championships May 16-20. All 36 groups are scheduled to tee off from hole No. 1 Saturday starting at 7:30 a.m. ET. The Greyhounds will take the course starting at 11:50 a.m.
 
CJ Jones was one of only five players to put up a red number in round two, carding a one-under 71. He holed out on the par-four No. 4 for an eagle and has now moved into the top 25.
 
Oliver Mast, however, is the Greyhound best positioned to contend for the regional medal; he carded a two-over 74 in round two and currently sits in a tie for third at -1 – three back of leader Charles Delong of Grand Valley State.
 
Keegan Bronnenberg moved up six spots with his second straight 75. He sits in a tie for 39th at +6. Cam Carroll also carded a 75 in round two and is now at +10. Jacob Nickell rounds out the UIndy lineup at +16.
 

THURSDAY
Battling wet and rainy conditions all day, the Greyhounds slogged through 31 holes before play was called due to darkness.

With additional rain and possible thunderstorms looming on Friday, the decision was made to play the second round on Thursday. Most groups still need to finish 3-5 holes to complete the second round, however, with the remaining five holes scheduled for Friday morning, weather and course conditions permitting.

The top six teams after 54 holes, as well as the top two individuals not with those teams will move on to the NCAA DII Championships May 16-20. The Hounds currently sit in ninth place at +21, just four strokes back of an advancing spot.
 
Oliver Mast leads the Greyhounds after the lengthy opening day. The Fortville, Ind., native began the regional with a three-under 69 and is currently tied for eighth at even par. CJ Jones and Keegan Bronnenberg are both tied for 46th at +6, followed by Cam Carroll at +9 and Jacob Nickell at +16.