CENTREVILLE (MI) - Thursday afternoon, the Marian University Ancilla Men's Golf team accomplished something they haven't done in more than 10 years...they they topped 8 other schools posting team scores to win the first MCCAA Western Conference match of the season, hosted by Glen Oaks Community College at the Island Hills Golf Club. After outscoring the better Western Conference foes by an average of 3 strokes per round during the Fall season, the Chargers left little doubt with the 7-stroke victory Thursday. They look to be a strong favorite in this season's MCCAA race, and their consistently strong performances are backing that up.
Sophomore Hunter Zdyb led the Chargers with a round of 73 (+1), tying for 2nd Place overall, just a single stroke off the lead. Zdyb shot a 2-under front 9 to lead the field at the midway point. Sophomore James Sanders stepped up and played like he did a season ago, shooting a 2026 best of 75 (+3), tying him for 5th Place overall.
Despite a couple of big numbers to begin the match, Freshman Juan Pablo Benavente led the tournament with 4 birdies, all within the front 9. He finished with a 77 (+5) and in a tie for 11th Place. Freshman Jeffery Cook was the fourth and final qualifying golfer for MUAC, as he finished with a sub-80 score of 78, tying him for 18th Place.
The Chargers' combined 303 strokes were 7 ahead of 2nd Place Grand Rapids Community College, but they were also 24 strokes better than their own average through the previous 2 rounds so far this Spring. When asked about the team's round, Head Coach Andrew Dreibelbis was elated, "we knew we had this in us; we showed that potential throughout the Fall. And while we struggled in our opener last week, we bounced back immediately and found our consistency from the Fall season."
He added, "it was definitely an odd round for the entire field. When we arrived, it was a comfortable 55 degrees with fairly clear skies. But a few holes in, the rain seemingly came out of nowhere and poured for several holes, only for the sun to reappear toward the end of the round. The Spring season brings any number of uncontrollable challenges, and I thought our guys did a great job of adapting to the changing conditions throughout the round."
The men are back in action on Monday, April 13th, when they head to Grand Rapids for the Grand Rapids Community College Invitational, hosted by The Mines Golf Club. The Chargers look to continue their strong play, with their aim set on winning the program's first-ever MCCAA Golf Championship. So far, they are off to a great start!! First tee time for Monday's match is 10:00a, so please come out and support these young men, if you are able!!
