Last week, the Marian University Ancilla Men's Golf team did something they've never done before...they qualified as a team for the NJCAA Division II National Championships, taking place next week, May 19-22, at the beautiful Swan Lake Golf Resort in Plymouth, Indiana. In order for the team to succeed, it typically means some individuals stepped up their games as well, which was the case for the Chargers. Sophomore Hunter Zdyb and Freshman Juan Pablo Benavente have each been honored as NJCAA Region 12 All-Region performers following their play at the Regional Qualifier.

For Zdyb, this is nothing new, as he qualified individually for Nationals a season ago, then earned a spot on the All-American team with his play at the end of May 2025. This year, though, Hunter ran away from the field at the Region 12 Qualifier, as he was the only golfer to score under par. Not only that, he was under par in each of his three rounds, posting a final score of 6-under par. The next closest participant finished 14 strokes back at 8-over par. Benavente finished in a tie for 6th Place because of his play last week, which included a strong 1-over second round.

The All-Region 12 team is pretty cut and dry, selecting the top individual finishers from this single, 3-round event. The Charger Golf team will tee off next Tuesday morning, May 19th, as they seek a National Championship. They are currently ranked 52nd in the country as a team. Zdyb is currently ranked as the #127 golfer based on metrics from this season. However, after finishing as an All-American a year ago, winning four events this season, and posting nine Top-3 finishes in 15 matches, he'll be motivated to prove the metrics wrong.

Congratulations, gentlemen, on a fine accomplishment!! The entire Marian Ancilla community is happy for you and proud of you!! Please come out and support these young men, along with the rest of their team, May 19-22 as they battle for National prominence against the country's best at this level.