Bulldogs claim sixth at Siouxland Invite; Rodehorst ties for ninth

By on Sep. 5, 2014 in Men's Golf

Bulldogs claim sixth at Siouxland Invite; Rodehorst ties for ninth

By Taylor Mueller, Athletic Communications Assistant

ORANGE CITY, Iowa – The Concordia men’s golf team wrapped up its season-opening, two-day Siouxland Invite meet on Friday. Head coach Brett Muller’s first grouping of Bulldogs claimed sixth among the field of 13 teams.

After finishing the first day of competition at The Ridge Golf Course in Sioux Center, Iowa, Friday’s course provided new scenery as the Bulldogs trekked to Landsmeer Golf Course in Orange City, Iowa.

After starting the tournament strong with an impressive lead of 69 strokes, senior Shawn Rodehorst lost a bit of momentum from Thursday’s outing, shooting an 80 at Landsmeer to finish in a tie for 9th place with an overall score of 149.

Right on his heels was sophomore Reid Wiebe, who after shooting a 72 on Thursday, closed with a 78 on Friday and a net score of 150.

Though Friday’s weather was more favorable than Thursday, starting the action on the back nine holes seemed to have an impact on the Bulldogs, as both Rodehorst and Wiebe got off to “rough starts compared to (Thursday)” according to Muller. Starting with the back nine, Rodehorst and Wiebe each shot a 41 to begin day two.

Despite the slow start, both Rodehorst and Wiebe were the catalysts for the Bulldogs’ sixth-place finish.

“It was good to see Reid player better on his front nine,” Muller said.

Concordia’s A team finished with a score of 621 while the B team finished with a total of 652 strokes. The A team finished above Briar Cliff and Mount Marty among the GPAC No. 1 groupings.

Though Rodehorst and Wiebe certainly shined in the opening contest of the Bulldogs’ season, freshmen Tyler Ehresman and Payton DeVencenty had noteworthy performances that did not go overlooked by the head coach.

“The biggest highlights for today were Tyler and Payton both shooting in the 70s,” Muller said. “As freshmen that should give them confidence moving to next week. They knew they could do it and they did.”

Aiming to break 300 on day two of the tournament, the Bulldogs fell short of their goal with a 319. Muller noted that Thursday’s team score of 302 was strange with just one athlete (Wiebe) in the 70s. Reflecting on the outcomes of the last two days in the opening meet, Muller was able to get an idea of where his team stacks up and the improvements that can still be made.

“We need more consistency throughout the lineup,” Muller said. “We need to get more guys in the 70s. We have several who are capable. They just have to go out there and do it.”

The Bulldogs will next be in action on Friday, Sept. 12 in Mitchell, S.D., where they compete in the Palace City Invite at Lakeview Golf Course to begin the first day of a two-day tournament.