September 29, 2024

NIACC's DeLong claims Waldorf Fall Invitational

ALBERT LEA, Minn. - For the third time this fall, NIACC freshman Meghan DeLong earned individual meet medalist honors Sunday at the Wedgewood Cove Golf Course.

DeLong, who prepped at Clear Lake, shot her career-best round of 72 to claim medalist honors at the Waldorf University Fall Invitational by four strokes over two other golfers that tied for second with rounds of 76.

"What an outstanding job by Meghan DeLong (Sunday)," NIACC coach Chris Frenz said. "I couldn't be happier for her as she bounced back from what she thought was a disappointing day last Friday.

"She was very focused on her putting (Sunday) and she really rolled the ball extremely well all day. She also had control of her game all around from tee to green."

The 72 by DeLong is the best round by a NIACC women's golfer in the Frenz era, which began in 2006. The previous best round since 2006 were a pair of 73s by DeLong at the NIACC Fall Invitational earlier this season and Mikayla Smith at the Iowa Central Invitational on April 16, 2012.

DeLong's other two wins this fall were at the NIACC Fall Invitational and the Buena Vista Fall Invitational.

NIACC tied for fifth in the team standings with a round of 349. Host Waldorf University was the team champion with a 324.

Also for the Trojans Sunday, sophomore Paige Danger and freshman Addy Boell both shot 89s, Ashlyn Berven shot 99 and Kaiya Holten shot 119.

"Paige and Addy gave us a solid effort (Sunday)," Frenz said. "I feel like we're trending in the right direction this fall. We just need to keep working to lower that team score."

NIACC returns to action Monday at the Waldorf University Challenge at the Rice Lake Golf Course in Lake Mills. The challenge begins at 11 a.m.

Team standings - Waldorf University 324, Buena Vista University 331, DMACC 336, Simpson College 345, NIACC 349, Luther College 349, Nebraska Wesleyan 349, Iowa Lakes 360, Viterbo University 369

NIACC WOMEN'S TOP ROUNDS UNDER FRENZ (2006-)

Meghan DeLong (Waldorf University Invitational) (9-29-24)

Mikayla Smith 73 (Iowa Central Invitational) (4-16-12)

Meghan DeLong 73 (NIACC Fall Invitational (9-17-24)

Alyssa Alert 76 (Day 1, Grand View Viking Invitational (10-10-22)

Alexandria Eckenrod 77 (Iowa Lakes Invitational) (9-23-12)

Meghan DeLong 77 (Day 2, Buena Vista Fall Invitational) (9-22-24)

Mikayla Smith 78 (NIACC Invitational) (4-22-13)

Mikayla Smith 78 (Day 2, NJCAA Region XI Championships) (4-27-13)

Kirsten Boerjan 78 (Day 1, Grand View Viking Invitational) (10-10-22)

Meghan DeLong 78 (Day 1, Buena Vista Fall Invitational) (9-21-24)

Mikayla Smith 79 (Day 2, Iowa Intercollegiate) (3-25-12)