VASSALBORO — A good stretch for the Erskine golf team became an even better one after it followed up its victory in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B Shootout with a strong showing at the state qualifier Tuesday at Natanis Golf Course.
“Things are going our way,” Erskine coach Mark Bailey said.
Indeed, they are.
Having already secured the automatic berth in the state championships Saturday, the Eagles dominated the KVAC B qualifier Tuesday with a school-record 316 team score.
Aaron Pion and Robert Harmon each shot a 78 to lead the way on the Tomahawk course. Connor Paine (79), Justin Browne (81) and Brandon Keezer (87) followed. All five qualified for the state individual championships Oct. 15, also at Natanis.
“We talked about it as a team and decided that even though we had automatically qualified for states (by virtue of the KVAC Shootout victory) we would go out and play like we hadn’t,” Bailey said. “It worked out in a big way. Things are going our way and hopefully that continues Saturday.”
Joining Erskine in the team state championships Saturday are: Maine Central Institute (354), Waterville (362) and Gardiner (367). The top four KVAC B teams qualified Tuesday.
“I felt we would get in,” MCI coach Paul Greco said. “We’re going to go there and give it our best shot.”
Carter Pearl shot a 77 while Eric Dugas shot an 80 to qualify for states as well.
“They both have legitimate shots to win it, too,” Greco said.
Gardiner qualified for the state championships for a third consecutive season.
“We’re glad to keep that streak alive,” Gardiner coach Patrick Quinn said. “We were just good enough to get that fourth spot. We could’ve played better but qualifying is still a big achievement for the boys.”
Sam Jermyn and Cody Rizzo each shot a 91 to qualify for the individual state championships.
“Just trying to hit nice shots,” Jermyn said. “Although we didn’t play how we would’ve liked, hopefully we can come back and drop some strokes.”
Bailey Plourde, of Lincoln Academy, shot a 75 to earn medalist honors.
In KVAC A action, Mt. Ararat, Camden Hills, Edward Little, Messalonskee and Lewiston qualified for the team championships Saturday. Mt. Ararat posted a 310 team score to edge Camden Hills (313). Edward Little (333), Messalonskee (337) and Lewiston (340) followed.
Blake Marden (76) and Jacob Bernatchez (80) led the Eagles and qualified for the individual state championships.
Cole Anderson, of Camden Hills, shot a 69 to lead the field.
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