It was a rainy day on Monday but the River Ridge District golfers were able to get their final round in the books at the Hunting Hills Country Club. when everyone came in to dry off, Blacksburg won the day and the RRD regular season championship.
“We had an hour and a half weather delay about half way into the tournament,” said Salem coach Blaine Hancock. “Scores before versus after the delay were a big difference. The rain was an added challenge for the district that a lot of players weren’t anticipating. Despite that, the talented players went low.”
The Spartans broke 300 but it was only good enough for third place in the talented RRD. Salem posted a 297 to finish behind Blacksburg’s 287 and Cave Spring at 292. The Spartans were led by a pair of sophomores as McKenzie Eversole posted a 73 to finish tied for eighth while JD Williamson posted a 74 for 12th place.
“McKenzie played great throughout the tough conditions,” said Hancock. “She battled all day and posted a great round for us, rolling in four birdies!”
“JD had it going before the weather break. He was under par at the time and had a small slip coming out after the break. He finished strong to post a 74.”
Also counting scores for the Spartans were senior Ashnoor Kaur and freshman Chloe Collins, both posting a 75.
“Any time you can post four scores 75 or better, it’s a great day,” said Hancock. “You have to bring it in our district to compete against a strong field.”
Isabella Geng, a sophomore from Blacksburg, was the medalist with an even par 70. Three other golfers shot 71.
For the season, Harris Camp of Hidden Valley won the regular season individual championship with 93 points. Salem’s top point earner was Ashnoor Kaur, who finished ninth despite playing in just four district matches.
Teamwise, Blacksburg won the season title with a six round total of 1,770. Hidden Valley was 22 strokes behind at 1,792 followed by Cave Spring at 1,805 and Salem was fourth at 1,828. Pulaski County, Patrick Henry and Christiansburg were fifth through seventh.
Next for the Spartans is the Region 4D sub-region tournament next Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Hidden Valley Country Club. The Spartans need to be in the top two to advance.
