MASON CITY – The NIACC men’s and women’s golf teams both tied for second at the NIACC Fall Invitational on Thursday at a rainy Mason City Country Club.
The NIACC women and Waldorf College tied for second at 358 and Iowa Central was the team champion with a 357.
Freshmen Savannah Lentz and Carlie Eckenrod paced the Lady Trojans with season-best rounds of 86. Sophomore Kaitly Koob shot a 91 and freshman Josie Leyh rounded out the Lady Trojans scoring with an 95.
Lentz’ previous best score of the fall was an 87 and Eckenrod’s previous best was a 100.
“Our women’s play was outstanding (Thursday) and to lose by a single stroke hurts, but gives us a lot of confidence heading into the spring season,” NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. “I’m really excited for Carlie Eckenrod, who has been struggling this fall, but she really put it together today and that’s a really nice boost for her confidence.
“Savannah Lentz has been consistent all year long and I’m really excited to see what she’s going to do this spring. And to have Josie and Kaitlin play well in these conditions speaks volumes. I’m excited to see what the spring season brings.”
The NIACC men tied with Iowa Lakes for second with a pair of 311s. Waldorf claimed the team title with a 308.
NIACC sophomore Hunter Miller placed third in the individual medalist competition with a 74. Freshman Sam Steinwand was next in line with a 77.
Also counting for the Trojans were Brandon Nordman (79) and Chris Staudt with an 81.
“We played much better today given the weather conditions,” Frenz said. “I was very proud of how they hung in there. Hunter Miller was really good today and I know he’s disappointed he didn’t win today, but I couldn’t be more proud with how he played.
“Sam was consistent as usual and Brandon Nordman finally broke into the 70’s. We’re real close to breaking into a very good team score.”
MEN’S RESULTS
Team standings – Waldorf College 308, NIACC 311, Iowa Lakes 311, Iowa Central 313, NIACC junior varsity 333, Hawkeye CC 349, Ellsworth 363.
Individual medalist – Ben Hogan (Iowa Central) 73.
NIACC – Hunter Miller 74, Sam Steinwand 77, Brandon Nordman 79, Chris Staudt 81, Thomas O’Rourke 86.
NIACC junior varsity – Carter Niedermayer 79, Victor Peterson 80, Zach Swink 83, Brandon Hebel 91.
WOMEN’S RESULTS
Team standings – Iowa Central 357, NIACC 358, Waldorf College 358, Iowa Lakes 411.
Individual medalist – Julie Laisney (Iowa Central) 77.
NIACC – Savannah Lentz 86, Carlie Eckenrod 86, Kaitlyn Koob 91, Josie Leyh 95.
