Photo Courtesy of CU Sports Information Dept.

University of Colorado senior Michael Baird is seen here in action earlier this season. The CU men's golf team finished 8th in the Maxwell Invite this weekend, their final tournament before they begin play in the NCAA Central Regional on Thursday.

The University of Colorado men's golf team finished in eighth place on Sunday in the Perry Maxwell Invitational that was held in Ardmore, Okla. over the weekend.

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No. 6 Oklahoma State rallied to win its seventh straight Maxwell title, overtaking second round leader and No. 43-ranked Michigan in Sunday's final round. The Cowboys posted an 11-under 269 to beat Michigan.

OSU had an 809 score, or 31-under par, following by Michigan (812), No. 36 Wichita State (819) and NAIA No. 4 Oklahoma City (821).

Colorado, ranked No. 65, turned in the second best score in the final round, a 6-under 274, but remained eighth in the final standings with an 834 team score.

"We wanted to play well, and I felt really good about how the guys approached today," CU head coach Roy Edwards said. "They did a nice job overall, and we definitely have a better taste in our mouths (then after Saturday), that's for sure."

"This definitely will help us going into regionals," said Edwards. "It's a great format, not necessarily the scoring part of it, but the playing all together factor. You can really learn a lot about everything, watching all three rounds and over 1,000 shots and strokes. Plus, the kids like playing together and they really enjoy the camaraderie of it."

Senior Michael Baird led the Buffaloes with his team-best eighth top 20 finish. He shot a 4-over par 74 Sunday for a 214 total. That was also 4-over for 54 holes on the 6,453-yard, par-70 Dornick Hills Country Club course, which tied him for 13th overall in the standings.

CU junior Derek Tolan shot his career collegiate best round of 66, which matched his previous best in relation to par (4-under), closing with a 218 total to tie for 27th. The 66 was the best individual score posted Sunday.

CU freshman Michael Imperato tied for 32nd, closing with a 1-over 71 for a 219 total (plus-9). While sophomores Luke Symons and Justin Bardgett both wrapped play here with final rounds 76s, which gave both 223 totals (12-over) for the tournament. Senior Jim Grady tied for 45th, finishing up with a 4-over 74 for a 224 total.

The Buffaloes will depart midday Tuesday for the 20th annual NCAA Central Regional, the Buffs' third straight appearance in the NCAA Championships.