AUSTIN, Texas - The Western Washington University men's golf team moved up three spots to finish in 9th place at the St. Edward's Invitational played Monday at Onion Creek Club.

The Vikings turned in a 1-under-par 279 on the par 70 course Tuesday for the third-lowest round of the day, trailing only Colorado - Colorado Springs (-8, 272) and team champion Central Missouri (-4, 276). WWU improved from rounds of 20-over-par (300) and 17-over-par (297) in the first two rounds to finish at +36 (876) in the 15-team tournament.

WWU was led by freshman Michael Butler (Sammamish, WA/Skyline/IMG Academy) who turned in his best tournament as a Viking tying for 12th place at +6 (216). Butler carded a 2-under-par 68 in his final round for his lowest collegiate round.

Junior Chris Hatch (Mukilteo, WA/Kamiak) finished in a tie for 33rd place at +11 (221) and junior Brett Johnson (Ridgefield, WA/Oregon State) tied for 37th at +12 (222). Johnson rebounded from a tough day on the course Monday to post a 4-under-par 66 in today's final round.

"The guys showed up today ready to play and the scored they posted showed that," said head coach Luke Bennett. "They got off to a solid start and even when they started to stumble a bit, they composed themselves and finished strong."

Western New Mexico senior Calum Hill led the tournament wire-to-wire finishing at -10 (200), 8 strokes better than 2nd-place Zach Tripp From Colorado - Colorado Springs.

The No. 27 ranked Vikings return to action April 4-5 at the Mustang Intercollegiate hosted by Western New Mexico University at Palm Valley Golf Club in Goodyear, Ariz.

-- @WWUMGolf--