PLYMOUTH, Ind. — The Highland Community College men's golf team continued its strong start to the fall season with a tied-for-seventh-place finish at the NJCAA Division II Fall Preview at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana.

The three-day event featured a loaded 20-team field, with 11 of the 20 programs having competed at the NJCAA Division II National Tournament last season. The Fall Preview gave the Cougars an early opportunity to compete against many of the teams they hope to see again when the national championship returns to Swan Lake in May.

Highland posted rounds of 296-285-292 to finish with a three-round total of 873 (+9).

The Cougars made their biggest move during the second round, firing a 285 (-3) to climb the leaderboard. Highland followed with a steady 292 in the final round to secure a tie for seventh in the highly competitive field.

For the second consecutive year at the NJCAA National Preview, Highland also finished ahead of the defending NJCAA Division II National Champion, another strong result for a Cougar program that has continued to establish itself against the top teams in the country.

Austin Dobbe and Jake Maloret led the way for Highland, each finishing the 54-hole tournament at even par (216) and tied for 15th in the 100-player field.

Dobbe was consistent throughout the event, carding rounds of 73-70-73, including a two-under-par 70 in the second round.

Maloret provided one of the highlights of the tournament with a four-under-par 68 in Round 2, one of the best rounds posted in the field during the second day. He surrounded that performance with rounds of 76 and 72 to join Dobbe at even par.

AJ Anderson finished just three shots behind the Cougar leaders, posting rounds of 71-74-74 for a 219 (+3). Jonathan Huenink added rounds of 76-73-73 for a 222 (+6).

Highland utilized its depth throughout the event as Griffin Blanch competed in the first two rounds with scores of 76 and 77 before Brock Brown entered the lineup for the final round and contributed a 77.

The Cougars' final team scores were 296 (+8), 285 (-3) and 292 (+4), giving Highland an 873 (+9) total over 54 holes.

The performance continues a strong run for Highland against national-level competition and gives the Cougars valuable experience at Swan Lake Resort, the site of the NJCAA Division II National Championship.

Full Results: https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/246377/scoring/team