NIACC men place 2nd at home invite

MASON CITY - The NIACC men's golf team placed second at Thursday's NIACC Spring Invitational with a round of 302 at the Mason City Country Club.

Iowa Central was the team champion with a 300. Hawkeye CC was third with a 303, DMACC was fourth with a 305 and Northeast CC was fifth with a 309.

"What a great tournament proving that every swing is so important when nine strokes separates fifth from first," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "We were close (Thursday) and the guys are starting to see their hard work pay off."

NIACC was led by freshman JJ Wickman and Jack Barragy with a pair of 75s, which tied for fifth in the individual medalist competition. DMACC's Dylan Ellis was the individual medalist with a 69.

Also for the Trojans, John Doherty and Beau Thompson both shot 76 and Kai Nelles shot 78. Hunter Heintz shot 83 and Tyler Eaton shot 89

"The course played tough (Thursday) - only one score under par," Frenz said. "Beau really came through as he birdied three holes and he's getting the confidence back that was lacking a bit early in the season."

NIACC has two tournaments remaining before the NJCAA Region XI tournament, including Friday's Hawkeye CC Spring Invitational.

"We know what we have to do to get prepared for the regional tournament," Frenz said. "We'll be ready. We're definitely trending in the right direction.

"We wanted to win on our home course, but it certainly wasn't because of a lack of effort. The guys played well. We'll continue to get better every day."