April 18, 2008

Milwaukee, WI (UWIRE) -- Alike only in name, the Mikes of the Marquette men's golf team led the Golden Eagles to a fourth place finish in the Palisades Collegiate Tuesday.

Junior Mike Van Sickle continued his tear on college golf, while fifth-year senior Mike Bielawski carded his best tournament of the season.

The Golden Eagles finished fourth of 14 teams, but beat Charlotte in the last round.

"We played right with Charlotte the last two rounds," Bielawski said of the third-ranked team in the country. "If we can play with them, we can play with anybody."

Van Sickle and Bielawski both finished at four-under par, sharing third place. In the opening round, Van Sickle edged the elder Mike by a stroke. Bielawski got the stroke back in the third round.

Their second round 69s both finished on high notes. Bielawski birdied a par 3, while Van Sickle rebounded from disappointment. After suffering a double bogey on his 14th hole, the junior birdied his final four holes.

"I four-putted for that double bogey," Van Sickle said. "I was so mad, so I ended up destroying the last four holes."

It is possible that Van Sickle will leave as the greatest golfer to ever play at Marquette, but Bielawski still made his mark on the program. He holds the school record for low round with a 63, a feat he performed as a freshman.

The second-round 69 gave Bielawski his tenth career (round breaking) 70, making him just the second player in Marquette history to reach double digits in rounds in the 60s-right behind, of course, Van Sickle.

(C) 2008 The Marquette Tribune via UWIRE