The Marian University Ancilla Men's Golf team has been out and about over the last couple of weeks, participating in six rounds of golf at four events during that stretch. Below is a quick synopsis of their play through two weeks of action.
MUAC opened on a beautiful 75-degree day on August 27th at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana. The Chargers hosted Trine University's Junior Varsity squad, along with fellow NJCAA member Hocking Community College out of Ohio. In a tightly contested tri-match, the Hocking Hawks eclipsed the Freshman-heavy Chargers by a single stroke, however, MUAC did outscore Trine by 7 strokes on the day. Sophomore Hunter Zdyb, an NJCAA All-American last season, continued to lead the way for Marian Ancilla, firing a 1-over 73 to take medalist honors for the day.
One day later, the word 'opposite' was applied, both weather-wise and for the nerves of the younger Charger team. With the temperature being just under 60 degrees, Marian Ancilla broke a single-round school record, firing a low of 292 strokes, defeating Hocking this time in a duel match. After taking down the same school record twice last season, the Chargers are using last year as a foundation for the present/future, and they look like they could be a team to beat once the MCCAA season begins next Spring. Zdyb continued his hot start to the Fall, shooting a 1-under 71, but Charger Freshman Juan Pablo Benavente posted a 2-under 70 for daily honors.
On September 2nd & 3rd, the Chargers were privileged to host the newly-formed, second annual Fall Championship Preview at Swan Lake Resort. With Swan Lake acting as host for the NJCAA Division II National Championships in 2025 and 2026, this provides a great opportunity for Marian Ancilla to invite some of the top programs in the country to get a look at the course well in advance of the May 2026 Championships. During last season's Fall Preview, the Chargers found themselves significantly behind the rest of the field, but this year, they were on pace for a potential Top-10 finish heading into the final round. They wound up finishing 14th out of 16 teams, but they were much more competitive against a loaded field. Sophomore Hunter Zdyb again led the way for Marian Ancilla, putting together rounds of 74, 73, and 72 to finish in 22nd individually in a field of 96 golfers.
Friday, September 5th, the team headed out of town for the first time, participating in the Judson University Fall Invitational, just outside of Chicago, for a 28-team invite. With 144 golfers involved, along with 55-degree weather and winds gusting in the 15-25 mile per hour range, it was uncomfortable for all involved. The event combined 8 NJCAA Division II programs, 15 NCAA Division III programs, along with 5 NAIA programs. Heading into the final stretch of the event, the Chargers were as high as 4th place, but they ultimately finished in a solid 7th place overall out of 28 programs, but 2nd out of the 8 NJCAA teams, falling to the top Junior College program by just 2 strokes. Freshman Jace Lugar has been consistent to start the Fall season, and he ended Friday with a team-best 73 (+2) to finish in a tie for 7th place.
The Chargers take a couple of weeks off before competing in the Cleary University Fall Invitational on Friday, September 19th. Please come out and support the golf team, if you are able!!
