Lakers Finish 5th in Red Raider Cup
The Iowa Lakes men's golf team took fifth place out of eight teams after winning their day two match with Briar Cliff University at Landsmeer Golf Club in Orange City, Iowa. The team match was set up for a best of five, with each player's individual match worth one point. Iowa Lakes was able to take care of business with full point victories from Carlton Rahn and Aaron James, who both won their matches 5 and 4, and Sterling McIlravy closing the deal in the final group with a 2 and 1 victory, giving the team the 3 & 2 win.
"All of the guys played well today during their matches, which was really good to see" said Coach Weber. "Morgan and Cam were both sitting at around even par for their rounds, but ran into a couple of players who simply got hot. Fortunately this is a team sport and a team event and they have three good teammates who came through and gave us the win today."
Day two matches were determined by a first day 36 hole stroke play qualifier. The Lakers finished the first day in 5th place after posting team scores of 307 in the first round and 329 in the second which set them up to play against Briar Cliff University who ended the day in 6th place. Leading the way was freshman Sterling McIlravy with rounds of 74 and 79.
Coach Weber had this to add about the first day: "Monday was one of the toughest and longest rounds of competitive golf I have ever been a part of. Winds were constantly blowing at 30-35 MPH with gusts getting up to 50. We have been talking about what it takes to compete and to fight for every shot over the course of a round, and the guys showed me that they have it in them with their rounds today. Of course as a coach I would have loved to have seen some lower scores in the second round and it is frustrating to see them slip a bit towards the end, but we have a lot of positive things to take away from this tournament. Morgan was able to post his lowest score as a Laker in his first round with a 75, which is a true testimant to what we have been talking about, especially in these conditions. They showed a lot of grit and determination which is great to see going into Regionals this weekend."
The Lakers have concluded their regular season and will look to make the push to Nationals at the Men's Region XI Championship on May 5th and 6th at Lake Panorama National in Panora, Iowa.
Laker Results
Stroke Play: Sterling McIlravy 74-79=153 | Morgan Edwards 75-83=158 | Aaron James 75-87=162 | Carlton Rahn 83-83=166 | Cameron Maxwell 84-83=167
Match Play: Sterling McIlravy W 2 & 1 | Morgan Edwards L 2 & 1 | Aaron James W 5 & 4 | Carlton Rahn W 5 & 4 | Cameron Maxwell L 4 & 3
Photo ID : Morgan Edwards