FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- Rocky River played its first matches of the season Monday, and the Pirates prevailed over the Fairview Warriors and Normandy Invaders in a Great Lakes Conference tri-match at Big Met Golf Course.

River defeated Normandy, 149-213, and Fairview, 149-221, as the Pirates returned to action after a couple tournaments and rainouts last week. Rocky River (2-0, 2-0- GLC) was paced by Nick Tianello who tallied a career-best 35 on the outward nine at Big Met. The sophomore logged three birdies (Nos. 3, 6, 8) and finished with just 15 putts. Taking advantage of soft turf conditions, Tianello hit 6-of-7 fairways and 8-of-9 greens.

Tianello was backed on the team sheet by sophomore Lucas Dietrich (37), senior Sam Vannucci (38), and senior Robby Lang (39).

"Our putting as really strong today," said Head Coach David Hendrickson of the twin wins in the valley. "And that's how you want to play on your home course: put the ball in good spots where you can get some good looks at the cup."

Those good looks at the cup made for just 62 combined putts for the Pirates' four scoring players.

And those birdies, long lags, and tap-ins have the Pirates on their own kind of roll, even if its early. The Double-R is 2-0 in league play.

by Skip Snow

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