Two IVCC teams qualify for nationals

Two IVCC teams will compete on the national stage.

The men’s golf team placed third at the NJCAA Division II National Qualifier at Prairieview Golf Course in Byron, while the women’s tennis team defeated College of DuPage 9-0 to win the NJCAA Division III Region IV Tournament.

In golf, the Eagles carded a three-round score of 925 to finish behind Bryant & Stratton (917) and Black Hawk (925) to earn a return trip to nationals.

“We’re thrilled to get back,” IVCC coach Sean Kennedy said. “My two sophomores (Putnam County graduates Ben Cyr and Ian Roach) didn’t get the full experience last year because of COVID protocols. We were only allowed to bring four players and there was no team banquet the night before or much interaction with other teams. I’m glad it worked out (to go back). The Eagles did what we had to do.”

The Eagles shot a 296 in the opening round to take the lead before carding a 317 then a 312 to slip to third.

“That’s the story of our frustrating fall season,” Kennedy said. “We did just enough. We had a terrific round one. We’ve had five or six tournaments this fall we’ve been in the lead but have not been able to finish out the tournament. We won one tournament and had a chance to win three or four more but didn’t get it done. Everybody played well in round one. We were right where we wanted to be and did just enough to get there. We’re not happy (with our qualifier performance). We wanted to win. But we’re thrilled to go to nationals.

Roach led the Eagles as he placed fifth individually with a 227. He shot a 69 in the first round followed by an 80 and a 78.

Also for IVCC, freshman Ryan Dulin carded a 234, freshman Aydin Folker shot a 235 — including a team-best 75 in the final round — and Cyr and freshman Jack Lockard each had a 238.

The national tournament is May 17-20 at Twin Hills Country Club in Joplin, Mo.

“We finished 14 last year,” Kennedy said. “The competition was stiff and it will be better again. I hate to throw out a number, but top 10 would just be wonderful. If we could have a top 10 finish at nationals and continue to build, what a goal.”

Kennedy expects a strong finish from Roach at nationals after the former four-time NewsTribune Boys Golfer of the Year placed seventh last year.

“He probably should have done better (last season),” Kennedy said. “He had one nine-hole stretch where he did not play well and it cost him a couple spots. How Ian finishes is totally up to Ian. He has all the talent. If he puts it together, I don’t think a top-five finish is out of his reach.”

The women’s tennis team is hoping for a strong national finish as well.

The Eagles have qualified for nationals every year since 2012, including last season when the national tournament was canceled due to COVID-19.

“They’re all very excited,” IVCC coach Julie Milota said. “We have a young team this year so it will be their first crack at it. Our second-year players couldn’t go last year because of COVID, so this is a big deal for them. They earned the right to go last year but couldn’t so this is amazing for them.”

The Eagles earned their trip to nationals with a 9-0 win over DuPage on Sunday at the L-P Sports Complex.

Karissa Etzenbach won 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles for IVCC, while Haley Schmitz earned a 6-1, 6-0 win at No. 2 singles.

Etzenbach also teamed with Amethyst Ernat to win 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 doubles.

IVCC also earned forfeit wins at Nos. 3-6 singles and Nos. 2-3 doubles.

Rounding out the lineup for the Eagles are Olivia Woods, Brianna Strehl and Clara Ferrari.

“I think we have one of our most competitive teams we’ve had over the years going to the Division III tournament,” Milota said. “We have a very strong lineup. We don’t really have any real weak links.”

The national tournament is Oct. 29-31 in Peachtree, Ga.