"The guys deserve a lot of credit for coming back after the second round," coach Tim Grogan said.,”A final round birdie barrage carried Marquette past three teams and into third place at the Pacific Invitational Wednesday. On the backs of Mike Bielawski and Mike Van Sickle, the Golden Eagles ended their fall season with a 13-under total in the third round.

"The guys deserve a lot of credit for coming back after the second round," coach Tim Grogan said. "Van Sickle has been consistent all year and Bielawski was Bielawski today."

On the final 18, Bielawski made eight birdies against a lone bogey to shoot a tournament-low 65. His final round augmented his up-and-down reputation as he beat his first round total by 12 shots.

"Teddy [Gray] had an extra putter and I needed something different," said Bielawski, who needed 40 putts in the opening round. "I honestly believe that made the difference."

Using Gray's backup putter, Bielawski birdied five of his last seven holes on the way to a back-nine 31, but he missed three other birdie putts inside 8 feet.

Van Sickle broke 70 in every round and finished six shots behind individual champion Stefan Wiedergruen of Charlotte.

"If he's got his 'A' game," Grogan said of Van Sickle, "I think he can win any tournament. His finger might have been bothering him a bit this week."

Marquette put up four impressive scores in the opening round – 67, two 69s and a 70 – to trail only eventual champion Kansas State. Freshman Kelly Kretz's five-under total included five birdies and an eagle. Kretz finished his final round with a flourish, making birdie at the last four holes.

"Kelly's one of the best recruits we've had for a while," Grogan said of the freshman, who carded 15 birdies and two eagles for the tournament. "He can play and he's showing it."

In the second round, only Van Sickle broke 70 as the team slipped from second to sixth in the team standings. Carding a 67, Van Sickle again recorded seven birdies and added an eagle.

"It was a great team performance," said Van Sickle. "A different guy had the low score every day."

The Pacific Invite's field, which included no. 1 Charlotte, was stronger than any other event of the fall.

"Our performance in this tournament was comparable to our two victories this fall," Grogan said. "It was a good way to end the season and will give us confidence over the winter."

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