NIACC places 9th at Clarke Fall Classic

GALENA, Ill. - The NIACC men's golf team placed ninth with a 343-337 - 680 on Saturday at the Clarke University Fall Classic at the General Black and Eagle Ridge North Course.

Mount Mercy University was the team champion with a 305-298 - 603. awkeye CC was second with a 311-303 - 614 and the Mount Mercy B team was third with a 307-309 - 616.

"The golf course got the best of us this weekend," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said, "but I saw a little something start to spark on the back nine (Saturday)."

NIACC was led by sophomore Kai Nelles with an 81-81 - 162, which was 21st in the individual medalist competition. NIACC's Bryce Malchow shot an 86-82 - 168.

"Kai Nelles and Bryce Malchow are close to breaking through," Frenz said, "and I really like what Andrew Crane gave us (Saturday) after a tough day (Friday).

"We're still trying to put together a round to prove what type of team we are. The fall season can be tough, especially for freshmen as they get adjusted to the college game, going to school and being away from home."

Also for the Trojans, Andrew Crane shot an 92-84 - 176, Eric Ritter shot 89-90 - 179 and Bradley Vaith shot an 87-94 - 181.

NIACC returns to action Friday at the Quad Cup at Brooks National Golf Course in Okoboji.

"We have a fun week coming up with the Quad Cup," Frenz said. "It's a fun team event that will bring the guys together. We're looking forward to it."

Team standings - Mount Mercy University 305  298 - 603; Hawkeye CC 311-303 - 614; Mount Mercy University (B) 307-309 - 616; St. Ambrose 316-325 - 641; Viterbo University 321-340 - 661; Augustana College 337-324 - 661; Clarke University 340-322 - 662; Waldorf University 345-329 - 674; NIACC 343-337 - 680; Hawkeye CC (B) 344-337 - 681; Southwest Tech 371-325 - 696; Viterbo University (B) 348-353 - 701; Clarke University (B) 350-362 - 712.