The Division I-A North boys golf season is proving to be a competitive one, with Lowry High School just a few strokes off of jumping into the top three on any given tournament.
That continued last week as the Buckaroos traveled to Fallon and Fernley for their final tournaments of the month.
Lowry finished fourth at Fallon on Wednesday, March 18, with a round of 457, which was just six shots behind Spring Creek. Elko won the match with a round of 435 and Truckee was second with a 437.
"For where we are at it wasn't too bad," said LHS coach Andrew Meyer. "It's disappointing to be that close to that third spot. We are right there and just need to cut off a few strokes."
To finish in the top three is important, due to the Division I-A North not having a regional championship. The division takes the top three teams from the final regular season standings. The top six individuals not on qualifying teams also advance to state.
Andy Mendoza led Lowry at Fallon with a round of 82, which was fourth overall among the field. Hunter Dimock carded an 87, while Liam Sparks and Steven Bosch each shot 94. Zane Fifield finished with a 99 and Peyton Capellen rounded out the scores with a 106.
One day later, Lowry traveled to Fernley and shot its best score of the season, a 413, but still finished fifth. Elko was the first team to break 400 on the year with a 398 to win. Spring Creek was second at 402 and Truckee (408) and Churchill County (411) were third and fourth, respectively.
"That was the highlight of the year for us," Meyer said. "The course was playing easy, but that doesn't matter and you have to put the ball in play. We just have to catch a break. It wasn't good enough. The other teams played well too."
Mendoza paced Lowry once again with a 74 and the Buckaroos picked up a strong round from Sparks, who shot 78. Dimock and Fifield recorded rounds in the 80s at 82 and 87, respectively, and Bosch carded a 92. Capellen completed the scored with a 109.
"That was a great round from Liam," Meyer said. "Andy is continuing to play well as is Hunter."
Elko leads the league standings with 25 points, Spring Creek is second at 24 and Truckee (23) is third. Churchill County sits in fourth with 17 points and Lowry is fifth at 16.
"We know what we have to do," Meyer said. "We are going to have to finish second or third the rest of the way to have a chance to qualify for state as a team. It will be a tough chore to accomplish. There are tough teams out there and we will do what we can. We can't dwell on the past."
Mendoza and Dimock are currently qualified as individuals if the Buckaroos don't make it to the state tournament as a team."
Lowry is off until Wednesday, April 15, when it travels to Elko. The Division I-A North stays in northern Nevada to play at Spring Creek on Thursday, April 16. The Buckaroos host the league on Thursday, April 13.
[[In-content Ad]]
