Freshman Herendeen Leads Illini to Team Title at Sahalee Players Cham…

SAMMAMISH, Wash – The No. 9-ranked Fighting Illini men’s golf team closed out a season-opening victory Sunday, besting a loaded field at the Sahalee Players Championship behind a runner-up finish by true freshman Max Herendeen in his collegiate debut for the Orange and Blue.

“I’m really proud of the way our guys came out and started the season,” head coach Mike Small said. “I think our guys did a good job of keeping their composure with the course playing so tough. I’m proud of the way the new guys have bought in to what we do, and it is great to see that show through in the results. The team has worked hard the last three weeks to prepare, and to come out and execute in the first tournament of the season, against a field as strong as this one is impressive.”

Illinois finished as the only team to card an under-par score for the event, which featured 11 programs ranked or receiving votes in the first GCAA Coaches Top-25 poll of the season. The Illini posted a 54-hole team score…