OLYMPIA FIELDS, Ill. – Sparked by senior Isaiah Salinda's 1-under-par 69, Stanford forged the third-best final round total and finished eighth on Sunday in the OFCC/Fighting Illini Invitational at challenging Olympia Fields Country Club.
Competing in the first tournament of the 2018-19 campaign against a talented 14-team field, the No. 11 Cardinal posted three consecutive scores of 9-over 289 to conclude at 27-over 867.
Stanford began the final round in 10th place.
Salinda led the surge by tying for 16th, the 11th top-20 showing of his career, at 4-over 214. He captured 19th at last year's event.
"Nice to see the guys hang in there," said Conrad Ray, the Knowles Family Director of Men's Golf. "We had a few bumps and bruises, but it was one of the strongest fields we will see all year on one of the toughest courses. To have three first-year players qualify into our top-five bodes well for the future."
Oklahoma State won the team title by 18 strokes over USC with an impressive 11-under 829. The Cowboys' Matthew Wolff claimed medalist honors at 6-under 204, edging Colin Morikawa of Cal by one.
Four Stanford players placed 31st or higher.
Senior Brandon Wu shot 73 on Sunday and tied for 22nd at 6-over 216. Freshman Daulet Tulebayev (75) earned a share of 27th at 8-over 218, while fellow frosh Freddie Lee (72) tied for 31st at 9-over 219. Sophomore Nate Menon (78) tied for 60th at 18-over 226.
Competing individually, sophomore Ashwin Arasu (79) came in 69th at 23-over 233.
The Cardinal returns to action on Thursday in the first Big Match at Menlo Country Club in Woodside, California. Combined men's and women's teams from Stanford will face Cal in an 18-hole match play competition.
"The guys learned a lot and we're eager to see how they play," Ray said. "We're excited about this unique event and really look forward to participating."
