NIACC men place 4th at Eagle Spring Classic

MARION - The NIACC men's golf team placed fourth with a 321-318 - 639 Monday at the Kirkwood Eagle Spring Classic at Hunters Ridge Golf Course.

Mount Mercy Blue won the classic with a 289-293 - 582. Kirkwood was second with a 291-295 - 586.

NIACC was in fifth place after Sunday's first round.

"Our goal (Monday) was to move up a spot in the team standings," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said, "and we accomplished that.

"We still have plenty of room to improve but that's obviously expected this time of year."

Sophomore Ben Boerjan led the NIACC men with a 74.-73 - 147.

"Ben Boerjan was really good again Monday)," Frenz said, "ending with a couple late birdies.

"He's showing great sophomore leadership."

Also for the Trojans, Jackson Hamlin shot a 79-79 158, Austin Eckenrod shot a 78-80 - 158, Matthew Heinemann shot a 90-86 - 176 and John Patterson shot a 97-100 - 197. Zach Martin, who did not play on Sunday, shot a 84 on Monday.

"I thought all the guys gave it all they had," Frenz said. "We had some early season short-game issues that will be resolved.

"We'll be ready to get back at this weekend at Mozingo."

NIACC returns to action Friday and Saturday at the Graceland Spring Invitational at Mozingo Lake Golf Course in Maryville, Mo.

Team standings - Mount Mercy Blue 289-293 - 582, Kirkwood 291-295 - 586, Mount Mercy Gold 310-322 - 632, NIACC 321-318 - 639, Viterbo 323-319 - 642, Southeastern 320-327 - 647, Hawkeye CC 337-368 - 705.