ORMOND BEACH, Fla. - While her experience at nationals came to an end a round short, Iowa Central's Kelly Boleyn will never forget this season on the golf course.

Due to weather, NJCAA officials placed a cut on the field to make sure the fourth round was completed in time, leaving Boleyn to reflect on her three rounds of play at the NJCAA Championships here on the Plantation Golf and Country Club course.

"It's a little disappointing that the field got cut," she said. "I didn't play as well as I wanted (on Wednesday) and was looking forward to getting a few shots back in the fourth round.

"Overall, I hit a lot of great shots but just wasn't able to score. Putting was tough, however, it was a joy to just be out on the course playing."

Boleyn, a former Humboldt all-stater, shot a 272 over 54 holes, recording 17 pars during the week with a birdie. Six of those pars and the birdie came on holes No. 13, 14 and 15. 

"This season as a whole has been amazing," Boleyn said. "My coach (Kris Graewin) and team are the best; I wouldn't trade it for anything. Being the only female, it was a little different than I imagined the season going at the beginning of the year. But I was still able to accomplish my goal of making it to nationals.

"I felt this season I developed a lot as a player."

Boleyn noted another goal of breaking 80 during a round, which she admits "didn't seem possible a year ago."

The Triton made the all-region team and earned runner-up medalist honors at the Iowa Central Spring Invitational thanks to an opening-round 79, which broke her career-low 18-hole round score. She also finished third at the Graceland Spring Invitational and was fifth at the North Iowa Area Spring Invitational.

"Being in the Top-5 of almost every meet this spring was something I knew was possible, but actually accomplishing it feels pretty great," she said. "All the hard work started to pay off. Practicing with the guys definitely pushes me to get better, so they were a huge part in helping me get to nationals.

"Our team is one big family and it's bittersweet to think it's all coming to an end. I'll forever be grateful for this season and have loved every minute of playing golf at Iowa Central."

Boleyn will continue to compete for the Tritons, as she enters into the dental hygiene program beginning this fall.

-By Dana Becker