MEDINA, Ohio -- Rocky River took ninth place in Wednesday's Walker Jones Classic at Shale Creek Golf Club. The Pirates hit a solid 54.2% of greens in regulation in posting a team score of 316. That total was good for a "first division" placement in a strong field of 18 teams.

"I like the way we played today, following up a good showing yesterday at Red Tail," said coach David Hendrickson.

Rocky River posted a 312 and took fifth in Tuesday's St. Ignatius Class at Red Tail Golf Club in Avon, Ohio.

"I'm proud of the guys for being focused and playing like this two days in a row -- on tough courses in top-notch fields."

Wednesday's action in idyllic weather conditions at the 6,803-yard, par-71 Shale Creek once again saw the Swinging Corsairs led by the junior duo of Luke Dietrich and Nick Tianello. Both were 3-over on the day, and both went way low on the inward nine at the Media track. Dietrich carded a 41-33--74; Tianello scored a 40-34--74. Both had two birdies in their round.

Rocky River's scoring four was rounded out by senior Owen Toole (42-40--82) and junior Dan Capka (44-42--86).

As a team, the Pirates notched a 67.3% accuracy mark off the tee. Led by Dietrich and his 12 greens in regulation, River's iron play was strong. The Maroon & White hit a total of 39 greens. The Pirates averaged 33 putts per player; Tianello had just 26 putts in what marked his fourth straight round in the 70s.

Kettering Alter (280) won the event hosted by Medina High School. Alter's Davis Gochenouer took medalist honors with a 7-under 64.

Rocky River is slated to play Thursday in the Brunswick Tee-Off Classic at Pine Hills Golf Club in Hinckley, Ohio.


by Skip Snow

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