GALENA, Ill. – The NIACC men’s golf team opened the fall portion of its season by firing a 338 Wednesday and placing 10th at the Clarke College Fall Invitational at the Eagle Ridge South Course.
Mount Mercy was the team champion with a 312.
NIACC was led by sophomore Devin Koob with a 79. Sophomore Josh Schaefer fired an 80 and sophomore Anthony Emanuel shot a 89.
“It was a typical first tournament,” NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. “We learned that we need to hang in there a little bit better than we did (Wednesday).
“We had some guys hanging their heads after the eighth hole and they still had 11 holes left.”
Also counting for the Trojans was sophomore Jordan Voves with a 90. Sophomore Mitchell Scholl shot a 91.
Playing as individuals for the Trojans were freshman Ben Boerjan, who shot a 79, freshman Jake Buntjer shot a 93 and freshman Grady Umbarger shot a 94.
Frenz said he was impressed with the rounds of Koob and Boerjan, who both shot 79s.
“Devin was solid,” the coach said. “He had a solid fall last year and he followed that up again. That was good to see.
“Ben took a nine on the first hole and still ended up with a 79. He battled and that’s what you need to do. He easily could have folded the tent, but he didn’t.”
NIACC returns to action on Sept. 18 at the Southeastern Community College Fall Invitational.
“It’s early,” Frenz said. “We are still trying to figure out our top five.”
