HURON, Ohio (Sept. 26, 2022) -- The Rocky River Pirates braved wind, rain, chilled temperatures ... and more wind ... in plundering silver at Monday's Edison Invitational at Sawmill Creek Golf Club. In a talented field of 20 teams, the Pirates undercut 18 to finish as runners-up.

Luke Dietrich carded three birdies on his way to a fine 37-39--76 on the par-71, 6,368 layout. The junior Pirate placed fourth in a field of near-100 players. He led the way on a River score card that also included an 85 (Owen Toole), 86 (Dan Capka), and an 87 (Nick Tianello). Fifth-man Wed Bennett's 88 also came into play in breaking a tie -- with Shelby -- for second-place in the event hosted by Milan Edison High School.

"We really hit some nice shots out there today," said coach David Hendrickson, whose Swinging Corsairs have finished first, second, and second, respectively, in their last three tournaments. "With the on-and-off rain and relentless wind gusts, our guys really kept grinding to post scores."

Dietrich's grind included some nifty approach, bunker, and greenside efforts. He hit a team-high eight greens in regulation and needed just 28 putts to log his top-5 finish.

As a team, Rocky River averaged 31.3 putts per man. River hit fairways at a 44.6% rate and greens at a 37.5% clip. The Pirates' team score was 334. Midview won the tournament with a score of 327. The Middies' Brian Stone fired a 74 to earn medalist honors.


CANNON FIRE ...

LUKE GOES LOW: With his 76 at Sawmill Creek, Luke Dietrich now has a stroke average of 75.3 since Aug. 31. His season average of 76.2 leads the team.

YOUNG BUCS: The River junior varsity concluded its 2022 campaign with a 177-185 victory over Elyria Catholic. Freshman Noah Opdycke carded a season-best 42 to lead the Buccaneers. For the season, the Petrus brothers (Luke 42.6, Jack 42.8) and Jack Hurt (41.4 in nine rounds) registered the team's top nine-hole scoring averages.


by Skip Snow

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