Southern found itself outside of the top five yet again after the final event of the season before the 2014 MIAA Tournament.

A sixth place finish at the Henderson State/First Federal Bank Invite saw the Lions get stellar performances from the top two players peaking at the perfect time, but in the end it simply was not enough.

Ryan Buerk, as for the majority of the year, led the team with a third place finish overall, shooting a two-day total of 146, including an opening round 71.

Finishing closely behind was senior Andrew Maier who took home a tie for sixth with a stroke total of 148 over the weekend. It was a welcome change on the score card for Maier after a difficult tournament the last time out.

“I am extremely confident because I am going to work on my game harder than I ever have over these next couple weeks,” said Maier. “If we work hard and stay focused it will work out.”

In the second tier of finishers for the Lions were the underclassmen of the group. Players like freshman Taylor Lansford ended with a total of 155, and sophomore Ethan Hutcheson finished with a total 162, they look to improve before next season when they will be called upon to make a more prolific impact.

“Our team has a solid chance to make a last minute move in the MIAA,” said Buerk. “We can get all the [pieces] of the puzzle together … if we are on top of our game.”

Thus far the top four players have been separated by an average of only three strokes. It may seem like a low number to most, but it is a gap that can be the difference between fifth and 25 on the links, and as the Lions head into the most important tournament of the year, they need to cut down every number they can.