Warriors sit in fifth after Day 1 of NSAA Championships

By: Waldorf Sports Information Director

ALBERT LEA, Minnesota – The Waldorf University men’s golf team sits in fifth place at the North Star Athletic Association (NSAA) Championships, following the opening round on Monday.

Bellevue University led the field after closing out with an 18-hole team score of 308. The Bruins, who are receiving votes in the latest National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) poll, hold a six-stroke lead over second-place Valley City State University (314). University of Jamestown (317) is currently in third place while Viterbo University (322), Waldorf (335) and Dickinson State University (369) round out the team standings.

Waldorf was led by senior Hugo Becerra after shooting an 81 on the 6,810-yard par-72 layout at Wedgewood Cove Golf Club. The Ocotlan, Mexico native is tied for 13th in the NSAA individual standings.

Senior Chad Hein turned in a score of 83 for 19th place, while senior Thomas O’Rourke compiled an 84-stroke total for 20th place. Sophomore Zabdiel Flores provided a score of 87 to put himself in a 22nd-place tie. Freshman Justin Pierce completed the Warrior field after carding a 92 for 28th place.

Valley City State’s Kyle Wiebe and Bellevue’s Diego Gudino each share the lead with 74-stroke totals. Bellevue’s Fernando Arzate sits in third place after recording a score of 76. Valley City State’s Tyler Baukol, Viterbo’s Eric Olson, Jamestown’s Nathan Kapaun and Jacob Rice each hold a fourth-place tie with a score of 78.

Waldorf concludes the remainder of the fall portion of the NSAA Championships on Tuesday at 10 a.m. In the spring, the second half of the 72-hole tournament will be completed. The conference team winner and individual champion each advance to the NAIA National Championships in Silvis, Illinois with competition taking place May 16-19.