The Iowa Central golf team hit the links to begin their golf season by hosting five other schools at the Fort Dodge Country Club.

Led by returning standouts Austin Erickson and Justin Schipper, the Tritons claimed the men’s title by 19 shots over Hawkeye.

Iowa Central fired a 5-under 279 with Hawkeye at 298. Iowa Lakes, Des Moines Area, Iowa Central B, Alexandria Tech, Southwestern, Hawkeye B and Southwestern B rounded out the standings.

Erickson and Schipper each had 3-under rounds of 68, with teammate Nico Booyens right behind with a 2-under 69. Liam Ross finished seventh with a 74, Parker Eichenberger and Sam Evenson were 11th with 75s, and Matthew Kruger was 20th with a 77.

“I was very happy to get our season underway,” ICCC head coach Kris Graewin said. “The men played really well and it’s great to get the win. We’ve got some new faces and some old ones, so it was good to see how everyone fared in the tournament.

“Justin has been a consistent player for us since he stepped on campus, but what he’s done for us in practice and (Monday) is on a different level. It’s really exciting watching him play.”

Erickson, Schipper, Ross and Kruger are all experienced players for the Tritons, while Booyens is among the newcomers to the team.

“Austin has had a pretty solid fall so far,” Graewin said. “He was able to get the putter going and hit some tight approach shots to help him get to his 68.

“Nico is going to be a great player for us. He is able to really strike the ball and place himself in great positions. When he gets the putter going, he can be one of the best players in our league.”

Iowa Lakes was able to top Iowa Central in the women’s race, as the Lakers fired a 334 to the 353 for the Tritons. Isabella Santistevan was medalist with a 76.

Abby Gaudian had an 80 to lead the way for Iowa Central, placing fourth. Kelly Boleyn was sixth with an 87, Ella Dinsdale had a 90 for ninth and Emma Hart was 11th with a 96.

“It was great for our women’s program,” Graewin said. “We were able to introduce a few new ladies to the college golf scene and able to put together a respectable score.

“Abby has been a great player for us since transferring in and I know she wishes she could have had a couple shots back. We’re looking forward to having a great year.”

Next action for Iowa Central men will be on Thursday in Galena, Ill. at the Clarke Invitational. The women head to Mason City on Sept. 8 for the NIACC Invitational.