PANORA – The NIACC men’s golf team is in third place after the first day of the NJCAA Region XI tournament Saturday with a season-low score of 309 at Lake Panorama Golf Course.
DMACC is in first with a 299 and Kirkwood is in second with a 300.
“I couldn’t be more proud with how the guys played (Saturday),” NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. “We’ve been saying all year that we just haven’t clicked at the same time and (Saturday) we put ourselves in a good position for Day 2.
“We have to enjoy our round, but at the same time forget about it pretty quick because we have to bring it again (Sunday).”
The final round of the tournament starts at 10 a.m. Sunday.
The top three teams and the next two individuals not on the top three teams qualifies for the NJCAA Division II national tournament in Foley, Ala. on May 21-24.
Sophomore Josh Schaefer and freshman Ben Boerjan led the Trojans with a pair of 74s on Saturday.
Also for the Trojans, sophomore Devin Koob shot a 78 and sophomore Jordan Voves shot a 83 and Anthony Emanuel shot a non-counting 89.
“To have Josh and Ben shoot 74’s today and be just off the lead is terrific and Devin knows he left a few shots out there,” Frenz said. “Voves took a triple on the last hole so he played really well overall and gave us a 4th score we could count.
“I know Anthony isn’t pleased with what he shot, but I think he’ll come out (Sunday) and really be focused to go low. It takes an entire team effort to win this thing, or to stay in the top 3 to go to nationals. Nothing is settled yet and we’ll get a good night sleep and get after it again (Sunday).”
Team standings – DMACC 299, Kirkwood 300, NIACC 309, Southwestern 315, Iowa Lakes 319, Iowa Central 332, Southeastern 336, Northeast CC 351.
Individual leader – Saunderson (Southwestern) 70.
