NIACC men win Waldorf Invitational

ALBERT LEA, Minn. - The NIACC men's golf team claimed the eight-team Waldorf University Invitational Sunday with a 305 at the Wedgewood Cove Golf Club.

The Central College Red team placed second with a 310 and host Waldorf was third with a 310.

NIACC freshman John Doherty was the meet's individual medalist with a career-best 36-35 - 71. It was the second straight tournament that Doherty has claimed individual medalist honors. Waldorf's Ben Boerjan, a former NIACC golfer, was the runner-up medalist with a 72.

Doherty also was the individual medalist at the Iowa Lakes Invitational with a 72 last Tuesday.

"This was a nice team win (Sunday)," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "We got a great effort from John Doherty.

"He's won the last two tournaments and his confidence is very high right now. He's been very solid tee to green and doesn't get rattled easily."

The team title by the Trojans was their first since winning the 2018 Iowa Wesleyan Tiger Fall Classic.

Also for the Trojans on Sunday, Jack Barragy shot 36-40 - 76, JJ Wickman shot 39-40 - 79, Kai Nelles shot 39-40 - 79, Jason Hesner shot 38-41 - 79 and Hunter Heintz shot 48-52 - 100.

"It was really nice to see Jack Barragy put together the type of round he's accustomed to and he still left a few shots out there," Frenz said, "but he really struck the ball well overall.

"Kai Nelles has been battling himself lately, but really put himself in great positions (Sunday) - just a few putts here and there and all the work he's been putting in will pay off. I was also pleased with solid efforts from JJ Wickman and Jason Hesner."

The 305 for the Trojans was their best team round of the fall season. The previous best round this fall for the Trojans was a 310 at the Iowa Lakes Invitational.

"It was a tough scoring day because of the windy conditions," Frenz said. "So I couldn't be more happy with the team's win and there's still room to improve."

NIACC returns to action Wednesday at the Simpson College Invitational in Indianola.

Team standings - NIACC 305, Central Red 310, Waldorf 313, Grand View 320, Viterbo 327, Graceland 341, Central White 347, Viterbo B 348.