NIACC's Boerjan wins Iowa Lakes Invitational

OKOBOJI - NIACC sophomore Ben Boerjan shot a 38-34 - 72 to earn meet medalist honors at the Iowa Lakes Invitational on Monday.

NIACC placed fourth in the team standings with a 311.

"What a great individual win (Monday) for Ben," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "He's been playing very well and it's nice to see him get rewarded with a win.

"That's a great way for him to gain confidence heading into the regional tournament."

Boerjan was the first NIACC men's golfer to win a spring tournament since Levi Fink claimed the NJCAA Division II national tournament in 2014. Fink also won the Iowa Central and Iowa Lakes spring invitationals in 2014.

Also for NIACC, Zach Martin shot a season-best 38-38 - 76, Austin Eckenrod shot a 37-42 - 79, Jackson Hamiln shot a 43-41 - 84, Matthew Heinemann shot a 43-41 - 84 and John Patterson shot a 44-46 90.

"Zach Martin really clicked (Monday), too," Frenz said. "He was very comfortable with the course and struck his irons as well as he has all year.

"Austin had it going on the front nine and after hitting one out of bounds on 11 , he did a good job of keeping it together."

The NJCAA Region XI men's tournament is set for May 4-5 at Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames.

"We still haven't clicked all at the same time," Frenz said, "so when we do at regionals, I like our chances. We're real close as a team to doing just that."