Golf is red hot in division clinching win

OCT 20, HAMPSHIRE GREENS GOLF COURSE-

The Blair golf team finished its season in high fashion as it beat Richard Montgomery to finish the season in first place in the Kohut division.

Blair shot 221 as a team, its season low, while Richard Montgomery shot a 246. Blair was led by the senior duo of Ben Payes and Zach Mellman, as both shot their best rounds of the season. Payes shot a 38 and Mellman shot a 39. Payes and Mellman, playing in the number one and two positions, combined to beat Richard Montgomery's one and two players by an impressive 26 strokes. Also, senior Jake Riley shot a 50 for his best round of the season.

The superb play of the seniors, combined with the solid play of juniors Neal Vasilak and Bill McManigle, led to the Blazers best match of the season. McManigle shot a decent 45 while Vasilak shot a 48 to beat his Richard Montgomery opponent by eight strokes.

Poolesville and Kennedy were originally scheduled to play in this match on October 18, but did not compete today because they had no chance of winning the division. Prior to the match, Blair had been tied with Richard Montgomery for first place in the Kohut division, but Blair came through with the clutch victory and won first place with a 12-2 record.

Payes believes that the Blazers came into the match knowing it was theirs to win. "We were pretty confident coming into this match because we have a solid team and did better than Richard Montgomery in districts and counties [tournament]," said Payes.

Payes started off the match blazing hot as he shot birdies on the first two holes. He cooled off but not before he beat his previous lowest score in match play of the season by five strokes.

Coach James Schafer feels that Mellman also had a great round of golf in his final match representing Blair. "[Mellman] only solidified his role as a starter for this team and continually led the team this season with low scores. He saved his best round for the last match of the season," said Schafer.

Vasilak believes that the team was excited about the win, which solidified the team's success. "We were happy that we ended the season on a high note; winning the division and getting the trophy for rookie coach Schafer," said Vasilak.