Trojans place sixth at regional preview
AMES - The NIACC men's golf team placed sixth at the ICCAC regional preview tournament at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course Monday afternoon.
The Trojans, who were led by freshman Austin Eckenrod's 79, shot a 330.
NIACC's Jackson Hamlin and Zach Martin both shot 83, Ben Boerjan shot an 85 and Matthew Heinemann shot an 89.
"There's a reason this was the preview tournament and not the real thing," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "We know we have to get better, but it was a tough day (Monday) for the Trojans.
"This course can beat you up pretty good and it got us (Monday)."
Kirkwood was the regional preview team champion with a 295. DMACC was second with a 298 and Northeast CC was third with a 315.
The NJCAA Region XI tournament is set for May 4-5 back at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course. The top three teams at the regional tournament qualify for the NJCAA Division II national tournament May 21-24 in Plymouth, Ind.
"Hopefully, we learn from (Monday) and come back for the regional tournament ready to tame this beast," Frenz said. "These guys work hard and they'll continue to strive towards getting better. This is a good team. We just need to play like it."
NIACC shot rounds of 321-318 - 639 at the season-opening Kirkwood Eagle Spring Classic (March 24-25) and 312-321 - 633 at the Wartburg College Invitational (April 5-6).
NIACC returns to action April 14-15 at the Iowa Central Invitational at the Fort Dodge Country Club.
