FORT COLLINS, Colo. – Blake Lorenz and Michael Winslow each snagged a top-25 finish as the Wichita State men's golf team opened their season with an 8th-place finish at the Ram Masters Invitational at Fort Collins Country Club.

It was an up-and-down trip for the Shockers, who shook off a slow start to climb as high as fifth early on day two, but ran into trouble on the back nine to settle for a 289-280-288—857 (+17). Host Colorado State won their eighth consecutive team title with a 283-271-269—823 (-17). The Rams posted the lowest 18-hole score in rounds two and three to rally from an early deficit, edging out Cal State Fullerton (-6) and Utah Valley (-3) atop the standings.

Brady McKinlay of Utah Valley (71-66-64—201, -9) was the individual medalist, firing a final round 64 to fend off three others at 5-under.

The Shockers got strong performances from Lorenz (72-72-68—212, +2) and Winslow (71-68-73—212, +2) to tie for 23rd, the best individual finish of Winslow's Wichita State career. The sophomore notched one of WSU's two eagles in round one on the par-five seventh, and was on pace for an even-par showing before a double bogey and bogey on 17 and 18 brought him level with Lorenz. Making his Wichita State debut, Lorenz put together a consistent performance in which he notched nine birdies and did not record a double-bogey. He and Winslow each carded a 68 to tie for the best single round of the tournament for Wichita State.

J.T. Pittman (80-69-72—221, +11) and Aston Castillo (75-71-75—221, +11) tied for 55th in their Wichita State debuts. The former Midland College teammates took different routes to their final total, as Pittman battled back from an uneven opening round to fire a second round 69 that was highlighted by three birdies over the final five holes. Castillo delivered a solid performance, holding steady at even-par through 12 holes on the final day, but a pair of doubles down the stretch marred an otherwise impressive showing.

Lucas Scheufler (71-79-75—225, +15) recorded Wichita State's other eagle on the first hole of round one and finished with the Shockers best average score on par 5s (4.67, -3).

The Shockers are off next week before heading south for the Trinity Forest Invitational at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas, October 2-4.