Nelles leads NIACC men at Clarke Invite

GALENA, Ill. - Sophomore Kai Nelles shot a 36-41 - 77 to lead the NIACC men's golf team Tuesday at the Clarke University Invitational.

NIACC tied for sixth in the team standings with a 319 at the Galena Golf Club. St. Ambrose was the team champion with a 301.

Nelles tied for 11th in the individual medalist competition. Eric Spurgetis of St. Ambrose was the individual medalist with a 73.

"We got better (Tuesday)," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said, "but we still have a ways to go if we're going to reach our goals.

"Kai Nelles put together a solid day and bounced back from a tough day last week. He's hitting the ball well now and just needs to cut down on a few mistakes. Better weather should help that."

Also for the NIACC men Tuesday, Bradley Vaith shot 38-41 - 79, which matched his career best, Jack Barragy shot 42-38 - 80, Bryce Malchow shot 41-42 - 83 and Andrew Crane shot 42-43 - 85.

"This is the second tournament in a row that Bradley Vaith showed some tremendous leadership and found a way to get himself into the 70s and another top finish on the team," Frenz said. "Jack Barragy closed with a double bogey on 18 but I really like the way he's trending overall.

"We need to get all of the guys in that 75 range. We are definitely good enough to do that."

NIACC returns to action Saturday and Sunday at the Iowa Central Invitational at the Fort Dodge Country Club.

"This season is so short, we need to continue to improve each time out."

Team standings - St. Ambrose A 301, Blackhawk CC 309, Bryant & Stratton 312, Mount Mercy 312, Coe 314, Iowa Wesleyan 319, NIACC 319, Clarke 320, Mount Mercy B 326, St. Ambrose B 331, Governor's State 341, Clarke B 342, Coe B 341, Concordia (Wis.) 383.