GREENVILLE (MI) - No need to dramatize this; sometimes it's all in the title. The Marian University Ancilla Men's Golf team did something Friday afternoon that had never been done in the history of the program...they won the overall Championship for the Michigan Community College Athletic Association's (MCCAA) Western Conference!! The Chargers did so by tying for 1st Place at the Montcalm Community College Tournament, collectively shooting a Spring-best of 295.

Throughout this Spring, the golf team has participated in six tournaments, winning four and placing in runner-up position twice. But Friday was different. There was a lot on the line, and the guys stepped up...BIG-TIME!! Most impressive was the play of Freshman Jace Lugar. While Sophomore Hunter Zdyb and Freshman Juan Pablo Benavente have been regulars atop the leaderboards from week to week, Lugar has been a solid 3rd or 4th each week. But Friday, he shot a 2-over 72, finishing in a tie for 5th Place with runner-up Grand Rapids' two best golfers, helping cement the Chargers as Western Conference Champions.

That doesn't diminish what Zdyb and Benavente did, however, as Zdyb shot a 1-under par 69 and Benavente shot an even par 70, securing 2nd Place and a tie for 3rd Place, respectively, in the individual scoring at Montcalm. In fact, because of their strong play all Spring, both Zdyb and Benavente were named to the MCCAA Western Conference All-Conference Team, and Benavente was named to the All-Freshman Team.

What does this all mean? Well, the Chargers are MCCAA Western Conference Champions for the first time ever, and that is impressive and undisputable. However, they have the weekend to rest up, then Monday (4/27) and Tuesday (4/28) they host the MCCAA Championships, meaning the teams from the Western Conference and Eastern Conference will join for the all-out MCCAA title. The advantage for Marian Ancilla is that they get to play on their home course...The Golf Club at Swan Lake Resort. If they bring all of this momentum they've amassed throughout the Spring, they can put themselves in position for that title as well.

From there, the Chargers will travel to the NJCAA Region 12 District Tournament at Bedford Valley Golf Course in Battle Creek, Michigan, on May 4th & 5th. This is their opportunity to qualify for the NJCAA Division II National Championships, a tournament they missed out on as a team by just a couple of strokes a season ago, and don't think that hasn't been motivation in the back of their minds. If they play well enough to win and advance this season, they would return to their home course of Swan Lake for the National Championships May 19-22.

In between final exams, among other things, please find time to come out and support these young men on Monday & Tuesday, if you are able. They would certainly appreciate your attendance and support. Good luck, gentlemen!! The entire Marian Ancilla community is happy for you, proud of you, and cheering you on as you begin your postseason play this coming Monday!!

Individual Scoring from Greenville:
2. - 69 - Hunter Zdyb
3t. - 70 - Juan Pablo Benavente
5t. - 72 - Jace Lugar
52t. - 84 - James Sanders
58t. - 85 - Jeffery Cook