Clovers defeat Eagles in season finale

BRAZIL -- The Cloverdale golf team traveled to Oak Ridge and defeated South Putnam 322-352 in an 18-hole match Thursday. But the biggest news of the day didn't happen at the golf course. South Putnam coach Scott Ricke was not in attendance, as his family grew by one member on Thursday.

"Coach Ricke was unable to attend the match. He was instead attending the birth of his son," Clover coach Doug Wokoun said. "We missed him and wish he and his family the best. Early reports are that everything went well."

In the match, Cloverdale bounced back from a rough round Wednesday at home.

"Our effort seems typical of the way this spring has gone," Wokoun said. "After an unimpressive effort on Wednesday, we bounced back and played pretty well. It seems that we are capable of strong efforts, but keeping the consistency has been the difficulty."

The Clovers' Michael Glassburn was medalist, shooting at 76. South's Tyler Newby was next with a 78.

"Michael had another very solid round. He has performed very well down the stretch," Wokoun said.

Chris Arnold was the second Clover scorer, firing a 79. Sean Rhine was next with an 83, and Blake Witt had an 84.

"Chris played better, and Sean, Blake and Mike (Wellington) all showed good improvement from the last effort," Wokoun said. "Even though we did not hit great shots through the round, we did find ways to persevere and score. This effort is more indicative of the kind of golf we are capable of."

For the Eagles, Damon Robinson and Tyler Shoffner each fired an 89. Mike Nichols closed out the scoring with a 96.

Seniors Glassburn, Rhine and Newby all played in their last regular season match on Thursday.

"They all acquitted themselves well. They have been good performers through their high school careers," Wokoun said. "I hope they can all carry this performance to the sectional."

At Oak Ridge

Cloverdale 322, South Putnam 352

Cloverdale (322) -- Glassburn 38-38--76, Arnold 41-38--79, Rhine 42-41--83, Witt 44-40--84, Wellington 49-39--88, Hathorn 53-44--97.

South Putnam (352) -- Newby 39-39--78, Robinson 41-48--89, Shoffner 46-43--89, Nichols 50-46--96, Cox 49-57--106.

Next match -- Cloverdale (12-7) and South Putnam play in the Martinsville Sectional Monday at the Martinsville Golf Club.