NIACC in 5th after first day at Kirkwood Spring Classic

MARION - The NIACC men's golf team is in fifth place with a 321 Sunday after the first day of the Kirkwood Eagle Spring Classic at Hunters Ridge Golf Course.

Sophomore Ben Boerjan led the NIACC men with a 74.

"I saw some really good things out there (Sunday) from the guys for our first tournament," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "Ben Boerjan was 3-under on the front and the back nine is tough and has quirky holes.

"He's striking the ball really well for this early.

Also for the Trojans, Austin Eckenrod shot a 78, Jackson Hamlin shot a 79."Austin Eckenrod didn't have his A game (Sunday), but I really liked how he hung in there and cobbled together a good round," Frenz said. "Jackson Hamlin always does a great job of scrambling but missed judged yardage on No. 13 and the ball rolled back into the water that he didn't know was there. He bounced back after that, though, and closed out strong."

Matthew Heinemann shot a 90 and John Patterson shot a 97 to round of the Trojans' lineup. The Trojans' Zach Martin did not play Sunday due to illness.

"Matt Heinemann and John Patterson struggled (Sunday), but they hit the range afterwards and they'll be ready (Monday) morning," Frenz said.

Mount Mercy Blue shot a 289 to take the first-day lead. Kirkwood is in second with a 291.

The second round of the season opener for the Trojans starts at 10 a.m. Monday.

Team standings - Mount Mercy Blue 289, Kirkwood 291, Mount Mercy 310, Southeastern 320, NIACC 321, Viterbo 323, Hawkeye CC 337.