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DYLAN SAVELA, Sports Writer for Manistee
News Advocate
BEAR LAKE — Onekama and Manistee Catholic Central know that early spring
in Michigan doesn’t bring the ideal weather to tee off in.
But, Tuesday’s conditions were nice enough for the two teams to square
off in their first match of the season, which was originally scheduled
for April 9.
The Portagers topped the Sabers by five strokes, 179-184.
“It’s a nice way to open the season. We’re
off and running,” Onekama coach Mary Jo Zadow said. “It’s good to get
one under our belts, especially after a few matches were delayed.”
Portagers’ senior Levi Capper and junior Brenner Johnson both shot a 41
for Onekama, while senior Drew Griswold had a 45 and sophomore Skyler
Kimpel and senior Cody Sievert each shot a 52.
Zadow said she hoped her returning golfers scored better in Tuesday’s
opener than they did in last season’s. In all cases, they did.
“It felt good for the first time out,” Capper said. “We’ve had indoor
practices, but only practiced out here three times. You couldn’t expect
too much better for the first match.”
MCC’s eighth grader Zack Bialik was the day’s lowest scorer and medalist
with a 39. Also for the Sabers, sophomore Nick
Kolanowski shot a 42, junior Zach Smith shot 47, and senior Trey
Sullivan shot a 56.
“I hit the ball okay,” Bialik said. “Putting was the hardest part. I
missed some (putts), but I think played okay. |
“I’m pretty anxious to keep going this year,” Bialik said of his first
taste of high school golf. “I’ve got some years ahead of me too.” he
added smiling. Sabers’ coach Pete
Solwold said the team was disappointed with the loss, but this early in
the season, are far from worrying.
“This early in the season isn’t the best indicator to who your top four
are going to be,” Solwold said. “Onekama played really well today, but I
think both teams aren’t quite ready yet. All the players are still a
little bit rusty.”
And as the players warm up their game as the season goes on, the weather
will eventually follow suit.
But, the golfers aren’t complaining.
“Well it was really cold and windy, but you just have to compensate for
that,” Capper said.
MCC’s Bialik agreed.
“It’s the first match of the year. It’s typical Michigan weather.”
Coach Zadow said, "The
Varsity Golf Team opened their West Michigan D League play last evening
with a victory over the Manistee Catholic Central Sabers defeating them
179 to 184. Levi Capper and Brenner Johnson lead the Portagers with
scores of 41. Drew Griswold shot a 45 and Cody Sievert and Skyler
Kimpel each shot 52s. The Portagers are in action tomorrow at the
Heathlands where they will entertain Mason County Central and Manton." |