GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Albion College inserted Ben Martenson into the lineup for the first time Monday and it helped the men's golf team nearly achieve its best score of the season.

A first-year player from Trenton, Martenson shot a 2-over 74 to tie for sixth on the individual leader board as Albion finished with a 312 total in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association men's golf jamboree at the Watermark Country Club. The Britons best round of the season remains a 311 in the MIAA jamborees at Adrian and Kalamazoo.

"Ben continued what he's been doing well in practice - hitting the ball brilliantly from tee to green, but today he mixed in great touch with the putter and wedges as well," Albion Coach Jordan McArleton said. "Ben always hits the ball pretty well, but he really got it done today by making some birdies with the wedges and putter.

"Ben had an excellent career at Trenton High, and I always expected him to figure in the scoring eventually, but to do so in his first event as part of our starting five was a nice surprise," McArleton added.

Tyler Covell was one stroke behind Martenson, locking into a tie for ninth on the individual leader board. Brandon Rincon and Ryan Bomya contributed to rounds of 81 and 82, respectively, to Albion's total.

Albion finished fifth in the team standings, one stroke behind fourth-place Adrian College.

In the seasonal standings, Albion made up 10 strokes on Kalamazoo College in the chase for fifth place. Kalamazoo holds a 22-stroke lead over the Britons with 36 holes left to play.

The seventh MIAA jamboree of the season is set for Thursday at the Wuskowhan Players Club in West Olive.

MIAA Jamboree #6
TEAM SCORES: Hope 297, Calvin 303, Trine 304, Adrian 311, Albion 312, Kalamazoo 322, Olivet 346, Alma 361
MEDALIST: Evan Telzerow (Hope), 71

MIAA team standings through six jamborees: Hope 1793, Trine 1804, Calvin 1817, Adrian 1845, Kalamazoo 1873, Albion 1895, Olivet 1978, Alma 2195