NIACC men in 8th at Clarke Fall Classic

GALENA, Ill. - The NIACC men's golf team sits in eighth place after the first day Friday at the Clarke University Fall Classic.

The Trojans shot a first-day 343 at the General Black and Eagle Ridge North Course. Mount Mercy University is the first-day leader with a 305 and the Mount Mercy B team sits in second with a 307.

"The General certainly demanded respect (Friday)," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said, "and we're fortunate to be in eighth place looking to climb up a couple of spots with a good day (Saturday.

"The guys worked hard (Friday) as this course is very penalizing if you get off line a bit."

NIACC was led by Kai Nelles with an 81. Bryce Malchow was next in line with an 86.

Also for the Trojans, Bradley Vaith shot an 87, Eric Ritter shot an 89 and Andrew Crane shot a 92.

"Our course management needs work - top to bottom," Frenz said. "We need to start putting ourselves in position to sometimes save par instead of forcing the issue and ending up with double bogeys or worse. Those are hard to come back from.

The second round of the 36-hole tournament is set for Saturday.

"The Eagle Ridge North Course will be another stiff test for us," Frenz said, "and the guys are really looking forward to the challenge."

Team standings - Mount Mercy University 305, Mount Mercy University B 307, Hawkeye CC 311, St. Ambrose 316, Viterbo 321, Augustana College 337, Clarke University 340, NIACC 343, Hawkeye CC B 344, Waldorf University 345, Viterbo B 348, Clarke University B 350, Southwest Tech 371.