AMES – The NIACC men’s golf team is in fifth place after shooting a 324 on day one of the NJCAA Region XI preview tournament Sunday at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course.
Kirkwood is in first place heading into Monday’s second round with a 287. Southwestern is in second with a 307 and DMACC is in third with a 308.
NIACC was led by freshman Austin Eckenrod and Jackson Hamlin with a pair of 77s.
“Jackson Hamlin had a solid outing for us again,” NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. “He did an outstanding job of scrambling when he got himself in trouble.
“It was also good to see Austin Eckenrod hang in there (Sunday). He’s been battling himself a bit, but (Sunday) he just looked more comfortable.”
Also for the Trojans, Ben Boerjan shot a 82, Zach Martin shot an 88 and Matthew Heinemann shot an 88.
“We needed a third and fourth score and just didn’t get that,” Frenz said, “but I was encourage with how Ben bounced back from a 44 with a 38.
“Martin and Heinemann will play better (Monday) after seeing this course for the first time. It played tough (Sunday). We’ll get after it (Monday).”
Team standings – Kirkwood 287, Southwestern 307, DMACC 308, Iowa Lakes 310, NIACC 324, Northeast CC 329, Hawkeye CC 337, Southeastern 341, Iowa Central 377.
NIACC – Austin Eckenrod 40-37 – 77, Jackson Hamlin 39-38 – 77, Ben Boerjan 42-38 – 82, Zach Martin 47-41 – 88, Matthew Heinemann 48-40 – 88, John Patterson 48-49 – 97.
