AVON, Ohio -- Rocky River took fifth place in Tuesday's St. Ignatius Invitational at Red Tail Golf Club. Juniors Luke Dietrich (even-par 38-34--72) and Nick Tianello (1-over 35-38--73) led the Maroon & White to the solid finish against a talented field.
The Pirates tallied a four-man team score of 312. Their third and fourth scores were posted by junior Dan Capka (40-42--82) and senior Owen Toole (45-40--85).
"Our success off the tee was a big key today," said coach David Hendrickson. "You've got to be in play at Redtail, and we did a great job of staying in fairways."
River's top-4 hit 38-of-56 (67.9%) fairways on the par-72, 6,542-yard Robert Von Hagge layout. Dietrich led the way, finding the short grass on 13-of-14 tee balls. The junior tallied 10 greens and 27 putts and put together a round that included 15 pars, two birdies, and a double-bogey. Dietrich carded his red numbers on the par-4 11th and par-5 15th.
Posting his third sub-80 score in as many rounds this season, Tianello had four birdies. Tianello has gone 78-76-73 to start the season.
Capka had one birdie. Toole added three.
As a team, the Pirates hit greens in regulation at a 47.2% clip. River averaged 29.5 putts per man.
Rocky River's 312 score placed fifth in a field of 12 teams at the tournament hosted by St. Ignatius High School. Akron Hoban won the tournament, going low to the tune of a 280. Hoban's Chris Pollack earned medalist honors with a 5-under 67.
"This event is incredibly competitive," said Hendrickson. "Our kids did a great job of meeting that challenge and playing well in tough course conditions."
CANNON FIRE ...
ON DECK: On Wednesday, Rocky River will compete in the Walker Jones Classic at Shale Creek Golf Club in Medina, Ohio.
YOUNG BUCS: The Double-R junior varsity opened its season Monday at the Comet Invitational hosted by Amherst Steele High School. The Pirates took second place with a score of 335. Juniors Jack Hurt (77) and Luke Petrus (83) led the squad in the season opener at Fox Creek Golf Course in Lorain, Ohio. The River JV hosted Brunswick in a home match at Big Met Golf Course Tuesday. The Pirates were undone 348-404 by the Devils. Sophomores Max Lehmann (95) and Max Ginnetti (98) led Rocky River.
by Skip Snow
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