DANE FUELLING
WZBD.com
The Bluffton Tigers had the top three scores on the short nine-hole Majorki course Monday night against host Bellmont, beating the Braves soundly by a total of 30 strokes.
After a great start to her season, Bluffton ace Emma Schwartz was actually bettered by two teammates (albeit by just one stroke) as Piper Morgan and Eve Corkwell each shot 40s for the away team.
For the Braves, who are still learning the ropes of varsity golf after 80% of the team graduated last year, it was a step forward in the right direction.
“This was a pretty nice score for us this early in the season,” said head coach Mike Macke. “I’m very pleased with the progress the girls showed.”
Undisputed No. 1 Ella Hockemeyer led the way with a 42. She navigated the difficult second hole for a solid par, then took advantage of the par 3s later in the round for several pars to finish right at bogey.
“Ella struggled last week but played seven holes of two-over-par golf. One bladed wedge on hole nine resulted in a big number, everywhere else she played very well,” noted Macke.
Kinley Martin broke the 50 mark for the first time in her career in a nine-hole round. The sophomore recorded five bogeys on her scorecard.
“Her ball striking has continued to improve and she had several good holes,” said the coach.
Sophomore Morgan Huss hit a great shot on No. 3 to make par on the east side of the course and finished with an even 50.
“Morgan also shot even 50 as her short game was pretty solid, just had a few penalties to overcome,” Macke noted.
Equally as satisfying for Macke, however, were the rounds of Ava Billman and Lyla Post, both of whom are working their scores down as they avoid the double pars and post regular scores on their cards.
“Ava and Lyla each held their double pars to a season low two for the round as they each broke 60 for the first time. They continue to make good progress!”
The Braves also had a debut Monday with freshman Allyson Phegley scoring her first official round. The freshman finished her round with a par and a bogey for a 57.
The Braves will travel to Whispering Creek Wednesday for a match against Snider. They’ll play 18 holes again Saturday at Foster Park.
Bluffton 166
Emma Schwartz 41, Eve Corkwell 40, Tressa Renner 46, Piper Morgan 40, Addison Kaufman 45
Bellmont
Ella Hockemeyer 42, Morgan Huss 50, Kinley Martin 49, Ava Billman 55, Lyla Post 58
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