ALMA -- Siloam Springs' boys golf team had one of its better matches of the season, and as a result the Panthers earned their second win with a 341-387 victory over Alma in an 18-hole match Thursday at Eagle Crest Golf Course.
"It was fun to see our boys play better today in pretty conditions," said Siloam Springs golf coach Michael Robertson. "Eagle Crest is a beautiful course. Our kids love playing there. It's just a very tough walk. I was proud of all our kids to keep battling out there."
The Panthers had lost a nine-hole match by five strokes (175-170) to Alma at Siloam Springs Country Club on Aug. 21.
It was a different story this time over twice as many holes.
Junior Josh Johnson led the Panthers with a medalist score of 81 for his first top finish of the season.
"Josh played really solid all day," Robertson said. "He is starting to get it figured out."
Junior Karson Clement carded an 83 and overcame a sluggish start to the match.
"Karson was a tough start from maybe one of the better rounds of his career," Robertson said. "He had a stretch of really good play."
Sophomore Luke Baker shot 88, while sophomore Evan Sauer carded an 89 and junior Trey Jackson a 95.
"Luke, Evan and Trey all had moments of really good play," Robertson said. "We just struggled so much all day with the putter. We are getting better, this was encouraging. Next week is a huge week for us. Hopefully we can pick up some good momentum heading into state."
Christian Stahler led Alma with a score of 85, while Parker Edwards shot 94, Kade Wood and Tanner Bright each shot 103 and Paul Gambil 105.
Girls
Siloam Springs shot a team score of 278 to record their second team victory over Alma, which finished with a 353.
Though it was several strokes higher than her average, senior Brinkley Beever's round of 90 was still the top mark on the day.
Junior Kaitlyn Robinson shot a 93, while junior McKenzie Blanchard had a 95, juniors Jaelee Snyder and Kendall McCormick each with 99 and freshman Makenna Thomas at 111.
"Eagle Crest is as close of a match to Big Creek as it gets," Robertson said, referencing Big Creek Country Club in Mountain Home, the site of the 6A state girls golf tournament later this month. "It was good to see our girls find a way to score well in tough conditions and when they maybe weren't playing their best.
"Jaelee, McKenzie and Kaitlyn are all playing real solid. Great to see Kendall and Makenna play well. If we can get five clicking together then our depth could be a huge difference at state."
Reagan Gray shot a 116 to lead Alma, while Reed Langdon shot 117, Haylie Parker 120 and Brooklyn Sanderson 124.
Up next
The Panthers and Lady Panthers are scheduled to host Greenwood on Monday at Siloam Springs Country Club.
"Monday will be huge," Robertson said. "Everyone is excited."
Sports on 09/17/2017