GRAND RAPIDS (MI) - The Marian University Ancilla Golf team continued their outstanding start to their 2026 Spring season on Monday at The Mines Golf Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they won their second tournament in a row. This time, however, it took an extra hole to determine the victor.
Through 18 holes, the Chargers and Mott Community college were deadlocked at 313 strokes. In MCCAA Conference play, this means the match can be determined by the scores of the 5th golfers on each team. In this case, both team's 5th entries were also tied at 83 strokes each. The next deciding factor was all 10 golfers (5 from MUAC, 5 from Mott) heading to an extra hole for a 10-person playoff. On this specific course, they used the 10th hole at The Mines Golf Club.
Following several great approach shots by both teams, Marian Ancilla Sophomore Hunter Zdyb and Freshman Juan Pablo Benavente were each able to drain pressure-filled birdie putts for the Chargers. Mott then attempted their own birdie putts, but once none of their birdie attempts fell, they conceded the match to the Chargers before all 10 guys could putt out.
In the matchup for the top individual golfer, Zdyb put in plenty of extra time on Monday. He shot +4 (74) through 18 holes, including an eagle at the 17th, tying him for the lead. Zdyb seemed to form an instant rivalry with co-leader Carson Osborn of Grand Rapids Community College, and the pair played some great back-and-forth golf through four additional holes. Osborn stood out with the consistency of his drives, but Zdyb relied on his approach shots and putter. On the fourth playoff hole, Zdyb was able to roll in a 15-footer for birdie to secure the individual title.
The MUAC Men's Golf team has now won back-to-back MCCAA tournaments for the first time in program history, defeating 8 teams last Thursday and 10 teams this Monday. In three Spring matches thus far, they now have two 1st Place finishes in MCCAA play and one 2nd Place finish in a non-conference tournament. The Chargers are hopeful for a nice ranking when the NJCAA Division II Men's Golf Rankings come out later today.
When asked about coaching this team and these individuals, Head Coach Andrew Dreibelbis responded with, "it has been great, because I think we are aware of our potential, and sometimes it just takes a quick reminder to approach that potential." He continued, "we've discussed patience and moving on from errors, and our guys are doing a nice job of shaking off mistakes, not allowing one to lead to others. I was really proud of Jace (Lugar), because with a little encouragement, he bounced back from a tough start to help us finish the first 18 holes tied."
"Our mental growth throughout the entire year has been outstanding, and it's fun to see them 'getting it' and willingly making changes to their games," he concluded. In a 65-player field, all five Chargers finished in the top half. Their scores are all listed below.
The Chargers are back in action this Friday when they head to the Jackson College Tournament at Arbor Hills Golf Club. And don't forget, they play at home at Swan Lake this Sunday in the MUAC Invitational. Please come out and support these young men, if you are able!!
1t. Hunter Zdyb 74 (+4)
7t. Juan Pablo Benavente 76 (+6)
19t. Jace Lugar 81 (+11)
21t. James Sanders 82 (+12)
30t. Jeffery Cook 83 (+13)
