HEBRON, Ky. - Western Kentucky University closed out a successful appearance in the University of Cincinnati Bearcat Invitational on Tuesday with a final round total of 303, holding steady in fifth place. The Hilltoppers, co-leaders after round one, turned in their best finish in over a year when they were fifth at the Mission Inn Intercollegiate in October 2008. Miami (Ohio) (+25) moved from third place after 36 holes to claim the tournament title by four strokes over Ball State (+29).

The 54-hole event was contested at the 7,103-yard, par 72 Traditions Golf Club in Hebron, Ky. and hosted by the University of Cincinnati. The course, opened in 1991, has been rated by Golf Digest as the third best course in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Cincinnati (+33) also moved up three spots to finish in third place after a final round of 296. Eastern Kentucky (+34) was fourth with WKU (+39) rounding out the top five. The Toppers' three rounds of 296, 304, and 303 are three of their top six rounds thus far in the fall portion of the season.

Nathan Sutherland of Miami (Ohio) fired a final round of 67 to run away from the 90-player field, claiming medalist honors. Sutherland finished at six-under-par, seven strokes in front of runner-up Eric Steger of Ball State at one-over-par.

Alex Yost, who led the pack after 18 holes on Monday, registered his third career top 20 finish, tying for 15th following a three-over-par 75 on Tuesday. At eight-over-par, the sophomore from Pembroke Pines, Fla. was the top WKU golfer.

Freshman Sebastian Fernandez just missed out on his second-straight top 20, as he tied for 25th after a final round 77, finishing at 11-over-par 227. One shot back of Fernandez was Neil Horsley. Signing for an 80, Horsley tumbled 20 spots into a tie for 32nd at 12-over-par.

Will Beard carded his second consecutive 78 and tied for 45th at 15-over-par. Junior Antonio Bruna, seeing his first action of the season, rebounded for a tough Monday with a final round of one-over-par 73, tying for 72nd.

WKU will next compete in the Charleston Southern University Fall Invitational on October 19-20 in Goose Creek, S.C. The Hilltoppers finished sixth at the spring version of the event last season, their second-best showing of the season.