AKRON, Ohio -- For a second time in as many days, the Rocky River Pirates triumphed in a match decided by a single-digit margin of victory. On Thursday, the Pirates defeated host the Revere Minutemen, 159-167, in non-conference action at Fairlawn Country Club.

River's performance was fueled a solid mix of both upper and underclassmen coming up with key shots over the par-35 outward nine at Fairlawn. The Swinging Corsairs were led by senior Will Bennett and freshman Nick Tianello, who both tallied 3-over 38s under overcast skies in Akron. Senior Hayden Weaver (41) and freshman Luke Dietrich (42) rounded out the Pirates top four.

"Overall, we had a really solid day on a nice course," said Head Coach David Hendrickson. "We didn't putt great, but across the board our ballstriking and course management was sharp."

The Pirate victory marked the team's third in a row, and it came just 24 hours after another tight match, a 153-155 victory over Bay at Sweetbriar Golf Club.

Rocky River (7-2) is slated to return to action Tuesday in a Great Lakes Conference match at Elyria Catholic (Brentwood Golf Club -- Grafton, Ohio).


CANNON FIRE ...

WILL POWER: Will Bennett has broken 40 in all five of Rocky River's nine-hole matches this season. With his Thursday round in the books, the senior linkster now owns a stroke average of 82.9 on the season. Bennett has averaged an 80.9 over the Pirates' last five events.

COUNT DIETRICH: Luke Dietrich has played in all 11 Rocky River matches this fall. The freshman has logged a top-4 score in nine of those events including six in a row. His scoring average heading into next week is a team-best 82.2. 

SURGING SENIOR: Senior Hayden Weaver averaged an 86.7 through River's first seven events. He's logged an 80.4 since.


by Skip Snow