The St. Anthony Bulldogs turned in a strong performance Saturday to defend its title in the Centralia Better Ball Invitational, played at Greenview Golf Course.

The duo of Luke Flaig/Thomas Chojnicki finished third overall with a 71 to help the Bulldogs finish with a team total of 220, two strokes ahead of O’Fallon’s 222. There were 14 teams in the field.

Jayden Rios and Jonathan Willenborg teamed to shoot 72 and tie for fourth overall, while the pair of Ryan Schultz/Michael Martelli finished with a 77.

“This is a wonderful event where we are able to build camaraderie and teamwork, as well as play another 18-hole event which will help prepare us for the postseason,” said St. Anthony coach Phil Zaccari. “The team played very well and was able to defeat the larger schools in the field.

“Luke and Thomas played steady all day,” Zaccari added. “They were able to feed off each other to place third. Jayden and Jonathan struggled a little at the beginning of their round, but then really got it going, recording birdies on four of the last six holes. Ryan and Michael also played well. Overall, it was a great weekend and confidence builder for us.”

The Bulldogs will return to action Saturday at the Taylorville Invitational.