May 6, 2004

UNION, Ky. - Lewis University junior Jason Buffone came within an eyelash of qualifying for the NCAA Division II Men's Golf Championship, and the Flyers tied for sixth place in the team standings at the Great Lakes Regional Championship that concluded Wednesday.

Buffone finished the 54-hole regional tournament tied with Saginaw Valley State's Adam Miller for third place and for the Great Lakes Region's individual qualifying spot in the NCAA Division II Championship. The individual bid is awarded to the highest-placing golfer who is not a member of the winning team.

Unfortunately, Miller defeated Buffone in a one-hole playoff to earn the trip to the national finals. Both golfers finished at 7-over-par 220 at the par-71 Lassing Pointe Golf Club, with Buffone posting rounds of 78-71-71.

Senior Tres Steffey concluded his Lewis career on a high note, carding rounds of 74-75-80 for a 229 total and a tie for 14th. Also competing for the Flyers were freshman Lloyd Roth, tied for 32nd (79-79-80=238); freshman Rob Peters, tied for 39th (84-76-84=244); and freshman Dennis McLain, 43rd (87-77-85=249).

Lewis, which tied Bellarmine for sixth place in the eight-team field, registered rounds of 315-299-315 for a 929 total. Northern Kentucky (899) won the team title.