SSHS girls earn win over West

n The Wolverines defeated the Panthers in a nine-hole match at SSCC.

Graham Thomas/Herald-Leader Siloam Springs senior McKenzie Blanchard, left, watches as senior teammate Kaitlyn Robinson attempts a putt during Monday's match against Alma and Bentonville West at Siloam Springs Country Club.
Graham Thomas/Herald-Leader Siloam Springs senior McKenzie Blanchard, left, watches as senior teammate Kaitlyn Robinson attempts a putt during Monday's match against Alma and Bentonville West at Siloam Springs Country Club.

The Siloam Springs girls golf team picked up its second home victory of the season Monday, defeating Bentonville West 132-163 in a nine-hole match at Siloam Springs Country Club.

"Another good showing for our girls," said Siloam Springs golf coach Michael Robertson. "We are closer to getting consistent team scoring. They are starting to get where they can put together a solid round even with a few hiccups. In the past, those couple of bad shots or holes would have snowballed, but you can see their growth as players in that they are able to turn it around and follow up with solid play."

Senior Jaelee Snyder played one of her top rounds of the season by shooting a 42 for the medalist honors.

Seniors Kaitlyn Robinson and McKenzie Blanchard each shot 45, while senior Kendall McCormick shot a 47 and junior Chloe Rocha 60. In junior varsity action, Kendi Williamson shot a 57.

"Great to see Jaelee play one of the her best rounds and Kendall is playing more consistent and getting closer to where she wants to be," Robertson said. "Kaitlyn and McKenzie continue to be solid at the top. We are going to need all four as we head into the state tournament."

Cierra Borren led Bentonville West with a 45. Alma had one individual golfer participate in the match but did not field a team score.

Boys

Siloam Springs fielded a team score of 181 to finish second in a tri-match against Bentonville West and Alma.

The Wolverines won the match with a team score of 156, while Alma shot a 201.

The Panthers played without its top golfer in senior Karson Clement, who injured his wrist during basketball practice.

Without Clement, seniors Chase Beyer and Trey Jackson each led the Panthers with a 44, while junior Evan Sauer shot 45 and senior Josh Johnson 48. Max Perkins moved up to the varsity roster in Clement's spot and shot a 52.

"It was tough not having Karson out there today," Robertson said. "We hope to have him ready by Thursday. The difference in our boys' scores is the start. We have to get off to a better start because we have ended most of the matches really well.

"I thought Evan, Chase, Josh, and Trey all had stretches of really good play in the middle today. We just have to find a way to put it together for 18 holes. September is where our boys tend to find their groove. We have four seniors who have been here before. I expect them to finish strong."

In junior varsity action, Breck Soderquist shot a 47, while Ethan Owens carded a 48, Nick Gray and Jacob Smith each with 55, Owen Thomas 56 and Miles Perkins 65.

Bentonville West had four players shoot a 39 to finish in a four-way tie for medalist -- Jayden Fielding, Gabe Bailey, Robbie Newton and Ethan Martinez. Sam O'Brien shot a 40 for the Wolverines. Blaine Chambers led Alma with a 43.

Up next

Siloam Springs is scheduled to play against Rogers Heritage on Thursday at 10 a.m. Both the boys and girls teams defeated Heritage on Aug. 20 at Siloam Springs Country Club.

Lyle Licht Memorial Tournament

The annual Lyle Licht Memorial Tournament will be held Saturday, Sept. 8 at Siloam Springs Country Club. The tournament, which is sponsored by Arvest, Pipelife and Simmons Foods, benefits the Siloam Springs High School golf team. The tournament will have a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. All individuals or teams are welcome. Anyone interested in playing or sponsorship opportunities may contact the clubhouse at 524-4269.

Sports on 08/29/2018