VASSALBORO — The defending Class C state champion Winthrop golf team will get an opportunity to defend its crown after a solid yet far from spectacular performance at the Mountain Valley Conference state qualifier Wednesday afternoon at Natanis Golf Course.

Winthrop shot a 347 on the par-72 Arrowhead Course, which was good for second place behind St. Dominic. The Saints finished with an impressive 325. Dirigo (349) finished third, just two shots behind Winthrop.

Staff photo by Andy Molloy Winthrop High School’s Anthony Owens watches his shot on to a green during the Mountain Valley Conference state golf qualifier Wednesday at Natanis Golf Course. Owens shot an 83 to finish second overall.

Staff photo by Andy Molloy Carrabec High School’s Katie Dixon putts during the Mountain Valley Conference state golf qualifier Wednesday at Natanis Golf Course. Dixon shot a 103 to qualify for the individual schoolgirl state championship on Oct. 17.

Staff photo by Andy Molloy Winthrop High School’s Charlie de Haas watches his shot during the Mountain Valley Conference state golf qualifier Wednesday at Natanis Golf Course. de Haas shot a 93.

Staff photo by Andy Molloy Madison Area Memorial High School’s Allison Dean hits on to a green during the Mountain Valley Conference state golf qualifier Wednesday at Natanis Golf Course. Dean shot a 111, just missing the cut for the individual state championships by a shot.

The top three teams qualified for the state championships Saturday at Natanis.

Carrabec (393) and Madison (402) followed in fourth and fifth, respectively.

“It was not a very good day for us, but we still got in,” Winthrop coach Lonney Steeves said. “We had three scores in the 80s and one in the 90s. We had a few guys who didn’t have particularly good days, but I think we’ll be OK Saturday.”

The top 10 golfers also qualified for the state individual championships on Oct. 17.

Justin Keany of St. Dom’s shot a 75 to earn medalist honors. He was one of five Saints to qualify for the individual state championships.

Winthrop senior Anthony Owens shot an 82 to finish second.

“Anthony has had a great year,” Steeves said. “This was important to get back to states as a team and as an individual. He struggled a little bit on a few holes Wednesday. He had his highest round at Natanis in probably two years. However, he’ll be fine.”

Winthrop junior Zac Robertson was one of six golfers —a group that also included Wiscasset No. 1 Grant Hefler — who tied for third with an 83.

It was an interesting day for the Saints, who won the Mountain Valley Conference championship this season.

Although five golfers qualified for the individual state championships, No. 1 A.J. Parise was not one of them.

Parise shot an 86 and finished 11th overall.

Prior to the qualifier Wednesday teams designated five golfers who would score, with the top four comprising the team total. The Saints’ No. 7 golfer — Adam White — qualified with an 83 but his score did not count toward the team total Wednesday.

“They have so much depth,” said Steeves. “It’s pretty incredible. We’ll see how Saturday goes. St. Dom’s no question is the team to beat, but maybe we can weave some magic.”

On the girls side, Carrabec sophomore Katie Dixon shot a 103 and qualified for the individual state championships as well. Madison’s Allison Dean shot a 111, missing the cutoff by a stroke.

Markella Gammatoni, of St. Dom’s, was the top schoolgirl golfer Wednesday, shooting an 84.

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