SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- University of St. Francis used a tournament-best round of 309 on the first-day of play at the Bethel College (IN) Big Time Challenge to key its eventual title on Saturday as the Saints bested the nine-team field by five strokes at Blackthorn Golf Course.

USF held off a hard-charging Taylor University (IN) team by a 626-631 margin for the first-place trophy. The Trojans entered play on Saturday in fourth place after shooting an opening-round 321, but took 11 strokes off that total Saturday to challenge the Saints.

St. Francis, after shooting the 309, authored a 317 count on Saturday.

USF freshman Martin Hetelle (Joliet Junior College/Seneca, IL) earned medalist honors with his 73 on the first day, which tied the tournament low, followed by a 75 on Saturday for a two-round 148.

USF's next-best finisher turned out to be junior Drew Anderson (Lockport H.S./Lockport, IL), who competed as an individual. He scored a 154, posting rounds of 78 and 76.

Back on the team side, sophomore Steve Wojcik (Andrew H.S./Tinley Park, IL) placed eighth overall with a 156 (75-81), while sophomore Grant Whybark (Morris H.S./Morris, IL) and senior Steve Sourigno (Joliet Catholic Academy/Joliet, IL) matched scores of 161. Whybark opened with an 83, but lowered that to a 78 on Saturday, while Sourigno was the exact opposite.

The Saints take the next nine days off in preparation for the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships, which will be played at Heritage Bluffs Golf Course in Channahon, Ill. April 26-27.