Salem High junior Ashnoor Kaur qualified for the Region 4D golf tournament but the Spartan team came up short at Monday’s South 4D sub-region tourney. Host Halifax and Blacksburg advanced as a team at the Greens Folly Golf Club.
Salem needed to be in the top two and finished fourth. The Halifax team shot nearly 30 strokes better than their season average and won the sub-region with a 295. Blacksburg was second at 307 and also advanced. Jefferson Forest was third at 311 and Salem shot a team 318.
The Spartans were paced by Kaur, who finished tied for second with a one-over-par 73 and will advance to the region tournament as an individual. That will be held next Monday at the Ivy Hills course, hosted by Jefferson Forest. Owen Mason of Halifax was the sub-region medalist with a two-under 70.
“Ashnoor had another solid performance,” said Salem coach Blaine Hancock. “She continues to be steady and post great rounds.”
Also scoring for the Spartans were sophomore Croix Bowen, who tied for 18th with a 79, while soph Mike Bateman and senior Zach Bocock both shot 83. Two freshmen played for Salem but weren’t in the top four, McKenzie Eversole with an 84 and Eli Wells with an 86.
“I know we are all a little disappointed after today, but this is a young team,” said Hancock. “We will miss Zach next year as he is off to JMU to pitch for their baseball team. He’s been an integral part of this team over the last few years. We have Ashnoor, Mike, McKenzie, Croix and Eli returning with Will Creger coming back from the IR and potential new additions from the JV team.
“I’m beyond proud of this team. They play hard on the course, but more importantly are phenomenal young men and women all the time. They’ve worked hard all season and I’m proud to be their coach and have the opportunity to work with them each day.”
The girls’ qualifier is on October 20.
