The Messalonskee High School golf team is off to a strong start. The Eagles are 3-0 with wins over Mt. Blue, Camden Hills and Cony, and it’s apparent that the abundant golf played over the summer is paying off.
“They either worked at Belgrade Lakes or worked at Waterville (Country Club). They got to play a lot over the summer,” Messalonskee coach Jim Kerschner said. “Of our top 10, eight worked at one of the local courses.”
Through the first three matches, the Eagles team score has averaged 160. A strong group of seniors, led by Bill Rollins, Dylan Burton and Jared Cunningham have led Messalonskee.
“We’ve been very consistent. One through six have played very well,” Kershner said. “I like our depth. Hopefully it holds together.”
Sophomore Jacob Bernatchez has shown much improvement, Kershner said.
“He played just about every day all summer,” Kershner said.
The Eagles have two matches on the schedule this week, against Lawrence on Tuesday and Mt. Blue on Thursday.
• • •
Defending Class C state champion Winthrop opens its season on Tuesday, when it takes on Oak Hill in a Mountain Valley Conference match at The Meadows Golf Course in Litchfield.
Last year, the Ramblers won their first state title in 19 years, but Winthrop will have a different look this season. Taylor Morang, Adam Hachey and Ben Capara graduated. Anthony Owens moves into the No. 1 role for the Ramblers this season.
Winthrop will play at Carrabec on Friday, before a big home match on the 14th against perennial power St. Dominic at Springbrook Golf Course.
• • •
After winning just two matches last season, Skowhegan is off to a strong start. Skowhegan finished the first half of the regular season with a 3-1 record, and coach Dave Martin continues to see improvement, even in Friday’s loss at Hampden.
“We’ve been spending a lot of time on chipping and putting, and that’s paying off,” Martin said.
The Indians top two players, Chance Whitemore and Colby Esty, have shot consistently in the low-40s, Martin said, giving Skowhegan solid overall team scores.
With two matches left at its home course, Lakewood, and two on the road at Bangor and Brewer, Martin is looking for more consistent play on the road.
“I think we’re pretty solid with the matches we have at home,” Martin said. “Like many teams, we’re not as strong on the road when we’re playing an unfamiliar course. We have to do a better job with course management.”
Travis Lazarczyk — 861-9242
Twitter: @TLazarczykMTM
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