By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

AURORA GIRLS ADVANCE

In action Tuesday on the fairways of northeast Ohio the Aurora girls saw their season continue to the D1 District Tournament as the Lady Greenmen finished in the top four qualifying spots at Old Avalon Golf Club in Warren.

At the D2 Windmill District, the Southeast boys as well as individuals, Streetsboro’s Dominic Mancini and Garfield’s Carter Haddox did not finish among the top four teams or individuals on non-qualifying teams and saw their season one-step before the OHSAA State Tournament scheduled to play at Firestone Country Club this season.

For the Aurora girls, they easily claimed their fourth and final spot to advance to the D1 District at Tanglewood Golf Club in Chagrin Falls on Oct. 6.

Firing a team score of 353, Aurora easily beat fifth place competitor Kenston who carded a 362.

Aurora was led by Kelly MacSurak’s 84 followed by Bennett DeLuca 88, Alyza Kour 91, Mia Custer 98 and Alyssa Rodenhauser 108. Rodenhauser is the only senior on the team.

D2 DISTRICT AT WINDMILL LAKES

The Southeast Pirates missed qualifying for the state tournament but the team was proud to be the first full team to advance to Districts.  89 and sophomore Logan Shodd Sophomore Owen Dembroski fired an 80 to lead the Pirates with senior Cole Bruno adding an 86, senior Alex Peelish a 90, senior Ethan Shodd 103.

Also proud to compete at the District tournament were Streetsboro’s Dominic Mancini , a senior, carding an 85, and Garfield sophomore Carter Haddox finishing his season with a 121.

The Rootstown boys golf team qualified for the Division III district tournament.

KENT GIRLS, ROOTSTOWN BOYS ARE DISTRICT QUALIFIERS

High school golfers continue to compete in the OHSAA end-of-season tournaments as they seek to earn a berth at the prestigious state tournaments for all three divisions of boys and girls teams.

Wednesday saw success for Portage County area teams as the Rootstown Rovers rose to the top four in the Boys D3 Sectional at Pleasant Valley Golf Course in Medina and the Kent Roosevelt Rough Riders finished in the top four in the Fox Den Golf Course D1 Sectional.

Aryana Puleo of Streetsboro also qualified to the D1 District as an individual.

THE ROVERS

The Rovers finished in the fourth qualifying spot at Pleasant Hill Golf Course to grab an opportunity to play again at the District.

“This is the sixth time in the last 10 years that we’ve advanced to the district tournament,” said Keith Waesch, longtime, successful coach of Rootstown.

“I told the kids yesterday that we realistically could finish anywhere from fourth to seventh place. Pleasant Valley is a challenging layout with big, undulated greens, many of which are surrounded by enormous bunkers.”

“Drew Just had a tough start to his round but battled back and shot a 40 on the back nine,” continued the coach.

“Nathan Waesch made par or bogey on his first 16 holes.”

“Sam Klem had a roller coaster round, but still carded an 88 while Liam Miller parred two of the last three holes when we needed it down the stretch,” explained Waesch.

“So I’m pleased that this group of three juniors and two sophomores will get an opportunity to play at least one more week,” concluded Coach Waesch.

The Rovers will play at Tannenhauf Golf Club in Alliance in the OHSAA D3 District on Oct. 5.

The Kent Roosevelt girls golf team qualified for districts.

KENT ROOSEVELT GIRLS

The Kent Roosevelt girls have often set the standard in Portage County, frequently advancing to the District and State tournaments each year since the program started.

Bryan Harvey, the only coach the Lady Riders have had, saw the success continue this season, winning the Metro Athletic Conference and, now, continuing to the District tournament.

“The girls came ready to play today,” said Coach Harvey. The team shot a season low 159 as a team on the front nine and then limited the bad holes on the back to advance to districts.”

“Both Brooke (Beatty) and freshman Mia Turner had personal best 18-hole scores today on the biggest stage. Brooke was steady all day. She did the job of a number one by shooting low (75) and setting the tone for the team,” continued Coach Harvey.

“She lipped out three putts or she could have easily finished top three.” Beatty landed in the top five.

“Mia Turner (87) shot the second best score for a freshman in the field,” said Harvey. “Straight drives and solid chipping kept her with par opportunities all day.”

“Makenna Ward (85) played a great front nine and rallied on her final four holes to stay in the mid 80’s. Coco Golden’s score (85) does not reflect how well she played today. Two tough, fast greens with false fronts were the only things that kept her from shooting in the 70’s but it was the best I ever saw her strike the ball,” explained Coach Harvey.

“Aubrey Byler (98) had a tough second hole but played close to bogey golf the rest of the way.”

“This was quite a team accomplishment today,” said the coach. “Only Coco and Brooke had Sectional experience, but everyone stepped up their games. I am so proud of them and look forward to seeing what we can do at districts., both as a team and individually,” concluded the coach.

ARYANA PULEO, STREETSBORO

Puleo advanced to the D1 District as an individual in her senior year, firing an 80 to be among the top four qualifying individuals not on qualifying teams.

“I am so proud of the hard work that all of my girls put in this year,” said Tim Rogers, coach of the Lady Rockets. “I haven’t had the chance to check but I think we shot the best 18-hole round (367) in program history.”

“Aryana is the epitome of how hard work and dedication to her craft can lead to success. She has always been highly driven to doing her best and has definitely put the time into trying to get there,” continued the coach. “I truly believe that she hasn’t even gotten close to reaching her potential, especially considering the fact that she only began golfing in November of her freshman year.”

“I’m really truly impressed with how far she has come and am looking forward to seeing what all she can accomplish as her future progresses and she continues to improve her craft. She, like all my girls, is a very special part of this very special team,” concluded Coach Rogers.