Spartan Men Move up to 7th, Soydara Remains in 4th Place at National Tournament
The Spartan Men improved their team score for a second straight day, moving up from eighth to seventh place after three rounds at the NJCAA Division III National Golf Championship at Chautauqua Golf Club in Chautauqua, New York. The 4 round championship concludes on Friday. Ellia Soydara remained in fourth place in the Women’s individual tournament after firing an 81 for a 3-day total of 242.
“I felt Ella played better today, but a few late holes tripped her up,” said Head Coach Jason Retzlaff of the Spartans. “A highlight was a fantastic chip-in for birdie on number 15. She is close to putting it all together and she is primed for a great round tomorrow.”
Trinity Ahing of Sandhills CC shot 75 for a three day total of 222 for the individual lead. Ava Ray of Sandhills shot the low round of the tournament, a 72, and is in second position with a 3 day total of 227 (79-76-72).
Leo Stepan hits his tee shot on the par three 12th hole on Thursday. (Photo taken by Jeff Haukos)
Ellia Soydara chips in for birdie on the par three 15th hole on Thursday. (Photo taken by Jennifer Soydara)
Leo Stepan led the Spartan Men on day three with a 77 and Mikey Vall put up an 80. Joel Quam and Braxton Kerstein each turned in rounds of 82 and Riley Stromlund had an 85.
Sandhills CC put up a third round team score of 286 and leads Georgia Military by 21 shots going into the final round. Ben Read of Sandhills shot the low round of the tournament, a 67, and is the individual leader with a three day total of 209 (72-70-67).
“It was great to see our men play a very solid round as we are improving each day,” said Coach Retzlaff. “Our putting was and course management was better today. Leo was excellent today as he led us with a 77. He has been incredibly steady with only one penalty shot in three days. I was really proud of Mikey finishing with an 80 after being plus-5 through 4 holes. We think the best is yet to come with more round left tomorrow.”
Men's Team Results:
1.Sandhills CC (Pinehurst, NC) - 292 (Day 1) + 284 (Day 2) + 286 (Day 3)= 862 2.Georgia Military College (Milledgeville, GA) -301 + 293 + 289 = 883 3.DuPage CC (Glen Ellyn, IL) - 323 + 315 + 305= 943 4.Jamestown CC (Jamestown, NY) - 318 + 311 + 326 = 955 5.Butler County CC (Butler, PA) - 321 +314 + 322 = 957 6.Onondaga CC (Syracuse, NY)- 327 + 316 + 322 = 965 7.M State (Fergus Falls, MN) - 330 + 326 + 321 = 977 8.Nassau CC (Garden City, NJ)- 330 + 325 + 338 = 993 9.RCSJ Gloucester (Sewell, NJ) - 352 + 345 + 331 = 1028 10.Terra State CC (Fremont, OH)- 355 +347 + 327 = 1029 11.Holyoke CC (Holyoke, MA) - 433 + 424 + 403 = 1260
Complete results of the championship can be found here: https://jccjayhawks.com/events/njcaa-stats
Mikey Vall hits his approach shot on the par four 18th hole on Thursday. (Photo taken by Jeff Haukos)
