By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

It was a fantastic day of golf for the Kent Roosevelt girls and boys varsity teams in the Metro Athletic Conference.

Both teams walked away with tournament victories and the overall league championships at Pine Valley Golf Club in Medina for the Lady Riders and Good Park Golf Course in Akron for the boys.

The Rootstown Rovers’ girls team also concluded their regular season with a sixth-place finish at the Cuyahoga Valley Conference tournament at Erie Shores Golf Course in Madison.

GIRLS GOLF

KENT ROOSEVELT

Kent Roosevelt girls earned the championship firing a 343 to overwhelm second-place Cloverleaf by 36 strokes.

“The team played well today to secure the MAC Championship,” said Bryan Harvey, coach of the Riders. “Our top-five girls finished in the top-eight spots, showcasing our depth in this league and the hard work they have been putting in.”

“We have been inconsistent lately, so it was nice to see the girls put together a good round as sectionals approach,” continued Coach Harvey.

“It was fun watching Brooke Beatty and Quinn Mularkey (Cloverleaf) battle all season long. While Brooke did not come out on top, she continues to play high level golf and gains invaluable experience as her post season run gets ready to begin.”

Brooke fired a 79, just three strokes behind medalist Quinn Malarkey of Cloverleaf.

“Coco Golden kept away from the big numbers to finish alone in third place,” said Harvey. “This should be a great confidence boost for her.”

Continuing to praise his team, Harvey offered that freshman Mia Turner showed she is definitely a player to watch in the future.

“Mia played her first nine holes at four-over par giving everyone a glimpse as to what she can do as she gains strength and experience.”

For the final two players on the roster, Makenna Ward and Aubrey Byler, Coach Harvey offered they both left shots out there. “Both played bogie golf to help lead the team.

“Finally, Colbie Kruger hit a lot of solid shots out there today but struggled a little with putting.”

“Our goal at the beginning of the year was to win the league,” said Coach Harvey. “It’s a testament to the hard work, determination and team chemistry that enabled these girls to win the league in convincing fashion. Hopefully this will continue into the post season.”

BOYS GOLF

KENT ROOSEVELT

The Kent Roosevelt boys also won the MAC Tournament in a decisive victory, firing a 306 to second place Tallmadge’s team score of 312.

“The coaching staff could not be more proud of the way the boys competed today,” said Chris Nauer, coach of the Riders.

“They each ad a plan of attack and goals at Good Park and they went out and executed. This group of golfers is all about the team aspect of the game which is special. They want to see team success before their own individual success.”

Earning medalist honors was freshman Andrew VanDamme, carding a 72 1-over-par. Jax Turner, junior, fired a 75; Owen Puhalla a 78; Garrett Polcha an 81; Anderson Liggett a 94; and Zakary Kelling a 103.

“The boys are playing good golf at the best time of the year,” said Coach Nauer. “I am excited to see how this season continues to play out.”

GIRLS GOLF

ROOTSTOWN

The Rovers traveled to Madison to compete at Erie Shores in the Cuyahoga Valley Conference’s final event of the season.

“The Rovers played well in tough conditions,” said Matt Just, coach of the Rovers. “All five of our girls shot their personal best 18-hole round, finishing with a 440 final score.”

Rovers scoring included: Morgan Giebel 87, Charlie Wilson 102, Belle Harris 130, Madison Kline 125 and Audrey Wohlwend.

“I am very proud of these girls and their hard work,” said Coach Just.

The team plays at Punderson Golf Club next week for a match with Kenston and then again on Sept. 28 in the OHSAA Sectional tournament.