TU Wins as Johnson Captures First Career Title
WARSAW, Ind. – Taylor's Javan Johnson traversed the first and fast layout of Stonehenge Golf Club with precision on Saturday as the redshirt sophomore pulled away from the field with a closing round 72 en route to his first career tournament title.
The Franklin, Indiana native entered Saturday's final round tied for the lead following an opening round of 70 on Friday and extended his lead on Saturday for a three shot victory while leading Taylor to the team title as well.
Johnson led the field in par-3 scoring at 1-under par for the tournament while playing the par-4's at +1 and the par-5's and even par to post an even-par total of 142 on the 6,081-yard, par-71 layout of Stonehenge Golf Club.
Taylor entered Saturday's final round in search of its second team title of the fall but clinging to a slim 1-shot lead over Lawrence Tech. The Trojans managed to hold on for a victory after posting a final round team tally of 302 for a two-round total of 599. TU finished six shots clear of Lawrence Tech while the Taylor reserve squad earned third place in the 8-team field.
In addition to Johnson's round of 72, Taylor also counted a pair of 75's from sophomores Erik Fahlen and Drew Pickering while fellow sophomore Noah Ross added an 80 and freshman Adam Kasitz posted an 82. Pickering joined Johnson on the all-tournament team, collecting a fourth place finish with a two-day total of 147 (74-75).
The Taylor reserve squad was led by junior Jason Iler who earned a top-10 with a tie for eighth place at 153 (75-78). Senior Keegan White added a final round 80 to finish in a tie for 11th place at 154 (74-80) while freshman Lance VanErmen also finished at 154 (80-74) after closing with 74 on Saturday. Freshman Austin Davis fired 77 on Saturday to finish at 158 while junior Sam Yeager managed a 79 on Saturday for 162.
Taylor finished ahead of Crossroads League foes Mount Vernon Nazarene, Spring Arbor, Grace, and Huntington. With the victory the Trojans remain undefeated against NAIA opponents this fall.
The Trojans will conclude the fall portion of the season next weekend as TU travels to Purgatory Golf Club in Noblesville, Indiana.