FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio (Aug. 15, 2022)-- The Pirates played their first match of the 2022 season Monday. Luke Dietrich carded a 3-over 75 in leading the Swinging Corsairs to a 321-328 triumph over non-conference foe Brecksville. The match was held at Big Met Golf Course.

Dietrich -- who went into Monday's event with a stroke average of 77 -- filed a 37-38 on the par-72, 6,481-yard layout on the banks of the river sharing the same name as the Pirates' home school. The 2021 district qualifier got off to a fast start, posting birdies on the first and fifth holes.  Dietrich's birdie on No. 5 came after a lipped-out eagle effort. He would also birdie one hole on the inward nine (No. 16) in a round that featured 12 greens in regulation. The 75 marked the junior's third sub-80 round in his last four outings.

Dietrich was joined in River's scoring four by Nick Tianello (39-41--80), Owen Toole (40-43--83), and Jack Petrus (40-43--83). The Pirates were sharp in sealing the 7-stroke win over the final three holes at Big Met. Dietrich birdied No. 16, and Tianello and Petrus birdied No. 17.

As a team, Rocky River (1-0) clocked a 41.1% accuracy mark off the tee. The Pirates hit 50% of 72 greens while averaging 34.8 putts per man.

The Pirates are slated to open Great Lakes Conference match play Tuesday with a tri-match at Legacy Golf Club in Avon, Ohio. River will lock horns and match wits with Bay and Elyria Catholic.




by Skip Snow

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