By Ken Ryan, Doings Newspaper - Nazareth junior Patrick Mullaney had high expectations at his second Class 2A state tournament Friday and Saturday at Weibring Golf Club at Illinois State University in Normal.

A slow start prevented him from reaching some of his goals.

Mullaney was 5-over-par after the first three holes, but he battled back to place 19th with a two-day, 36-hole total of 158.

"I was disappointed," Mullaney said. "My putting wasn't very good and I just couldn't get anything going. My back is still messed up and it took me a while to get loose."

Mullaney's junior teammate Peter Schink placed 40th with a 166 in his first state experience.

Mullaney, who tied for 47th at state last season, shot a 78 Saturday.

"It was a good learning experience," Mullaney said. "I learned a lot. It feels good that I was able to bounce back, but it was too late, which is disappointing. This really shows me how I have to prepare for next year. I have to put a lot more work in during the offseason and get stronger and hopefully I can bring home state next year. It was still a good season, a lot better than last year."