NIACC men place third at Hawkeye CC Invite

NIACC's Kai Nelles hit a shot Tuesday at the NIACC Spring Invitational at the Mason City Country Club.

September 9, 2021

WATERLOO - The NIACC men's golf team placed third at the Hawkeye CC Fall Invitational Thursday at Gates Park Golf Course with a 327.

Host Hawkeye CC was the team champion with a 283. The Hawkeye CC B squad was second with a 313.

"It was another tough outing for the Trojans (Thursday)," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "We're going through some early-season growing pains at the moment.

"I saw some good things out there (Thursday)."

Kai Nelles led NIACC with a 78. Also for the Trojans, Bryce Malchow shot a 82, Jacob Wiersma shot a 83, Bradley Vaith shot a 84 and Jack Barragy shot a 92.

"Kai Nelles had it going (Thursday) until a triple bogey derailed him late in the round, but he played pretty well, overall," Frenz said. "Bryce Malchow isn't scoring well at the moment, but he scrambles and never gives up. He's just learning to compete at the college level."

Playing as individuals for the Trojans were Eric Ritter (81), Andrew Crane (85) and Hunter Heintz (85).

"Eric Ritter had a nice round (Thursday)," Frenz said. "He's close to putting it together."

NIACC returns to action Wednesday at the DMACC Fall Invitational at the Ames Golf and Country Club.

"We have really good players," Frenz said. "They just need to believe in themselves and come mentally ready to compete for all 18 holes."