LAGRANGE, Ohio -- Rocky River opened its season in style, capturing first place in the lid-lifting Lake Erie Girls Golf Association Preview Tournament, held at Grey Hawk Golf Club Monday.

The Pirates -- who took third place in last year's Preview (Aug. 16) and in the conference championship tournament (Sept. 15) -- posted a 7-under 65 in the five-man scramble format. That total was eight strokes clear of second-place Columbia (73) and four other foes.

Rocky River registered eight birdies and a bogie on the 5,091-yard, par-72. The Pirates opened on No. 8 and finished with a flurry, going 4-under over their last five holes.

River's winning quintet was comprised of sophomore Mia Ginnetti, junior Chloe Holton, senior Sophia Loparo, sophomore Julia Schmid, and senior Nora Sheridan.

"We showed some good teamwork in a fun event to get things started," said coach Jeff Hammond.

The event at Grey Hawk marked the opening of league play for the six-team circuit. The Pirates went 6-3 in nine LEGGA matches last fall. They were the five-time defending league champions before being unseated by Westlake last September.

The Monday tournament swings the Pirates into a busy week. They are slated to play in the Edison Invitational at Thunderbird Hills Golf Course in Huron, Ohio, on Tuesday and then a three-way match at Springvale Golf Course in North Olmsted, Ohio, on Thursday. The River junior varsity is scheduled to open its season with a match on Wednesday.



by Skip Snow

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