Storm tied for second entering final round at IIAC Tournament

PEOSTA, Iowa - Behind solid rounds from Andy Hutchins and Trent Lindenman, the Simpson men's golf team moved into a tie for second heading into the final round of the Iowa Conference Tournament at Thunder Hills Country Club.

Because inclement weather cut the first weekend of the tournament short, players were forced to complete 36 holes in a day for possibly the first time in the nearly 70-year history of the tournament. 

Entering the day in fifth place, the Storm shot 297 in the first 18 holes and finished with a 302 for a 920 total through 54 holes. Dubuque is also at 920, with Wartburg (922) and Luther (926) close behind. Central owns a 26-stroke lead on the field.

Hutchins enters the final round in a five-way tie for second while Lindenman is tied for 10th. Hutchins is six strokes off the pace set by Central's Desmond Stoll, who shot a 71 and a 70 on Friday to enter the final round at 217.

Hutchins fired a 1-over 72 on the first 18 holes and followed with a 3-over 74. He is locked up with John Bral (Buena Vista), Tyler Gunderson (Coe), Peter Kephart (Luther) and Josh Schuberg (Dubuque) at 223 through 54 holes. His 72 was tied for the second-lowest of the round.

Still recovering from an opening round 79 at Finkbine, Lindenman came out strong with a 1-over 72 on the first 18 and followed with a 76. At 227, Lindenman is tied with Troy Krueger (Dubuque) and currently 10 strokes off the pace.

Nathan Molstead and Jimmy Siebert will enter the final round tied for 21st with a 54-hole score of 237. Both golfers were steady, as Molstead carded a 77 in the second round and 78 in the third while Siebert turned in a 76 and a 75.

Shaan Desai rounds out Simpson's lineup in 24th (238). He shot 78 in the second round and 77 in the third.

Chasing History

In the last 34 year, the Simpson men's golf team has never finished higher than third at the Iowa Conference Tournament. Since 1982, Simpson has finished in at least a tie for third five times, never cracking into the top two. Simpson does have three conference titles, winning in 1967, 1968 and 1970.

Team Standings

1. Central, 894 (307-291-296); t2. Simpson, 920 (321-297-302); t2. Dubuque, 920 (314-304-302); 4. Wartburg, 922 (320-302-300); 5. Luther, 926 (329-300-297); 6. Buena Vista, 944 (319-314-311); 7. Loras, 952 (323-322-307); 8. Coe, 995 (350-330-315)

Simpson Scorecard

t2. Andy Hutchins, 223 (77-72-74)
t10. Trent Lindenman, 227 (79-72-76)
t21. Nathan Molstead, 237 (82-77-78)
t21. Jimmy Siebert, 237 (86-76-75)
24. Shaan Desai, 238 (83-78-77)