USN falls to FRA and HH

Coach Fitz: Our teams split ways this afternoon, traveling to opposite ends of the Metro area - The girls team to Harpeth Hills golf course and the boys team to Ted Rhodes golf course, for matches vs Franklin Road Academy and Harpeth Hall. Coach Fitz traveled with the boys team and I traveled with the girls team. Coach Fitz Five intrepid USN Tigers made the sojourn to Ted Rhodes golf course today to face off against FRA's finest.  The Panthers would have to contend with Jonathan Ghertner '19, Tate Kloeppel '19, Joe Orem '19, Will Barrett '22, and Russ Petty '22.  Despite not managing to hit a fairway, Tate clawed his way to a 2-over-par 37 and was equaled on that number by the freshman Barrett, who chipped and putted magnificently.  Senior captain Joe Orem scored a fine birdie on the 6th hole and carded a 39 despite a few short missed putts.  His birdie on 6 was matched by the crafty veteran Jonathan Ghertner, who likewise matched Joe's 39 and, in so doing, shot his career-best score as a USN Tiger!  Russ stumbled in his final five holes, but they did not overshadow a sterling first four, a success upon which he will no doubt build in the future as he learns to finish out excellent rounds.   It all added up to 152 strokes for USN, which came up slightly short against FRA's 145, which featured at least two career-best scores, including a majestic 5-under-par 30 by future Bucknell Bison Josh Holtschlag.  There was a lot of fine golf played on the links at Ted Rhodes today - it was a pleasure to watch!

Coach Boysen: USN Tigers Anne Griffin ‘22, Ava Cason ‘22 and Ella Nordberg ‘20 made the short ride to Harpeth Hills golf course for a match vs FRA and HH. HH was a mystery but we knew what to expect from FRA’s dynamic duo Angelina Chan and Tzunami Polito, and all did not disappoint. However, Anne Griffin held her own against them, parring the first 3 holes. And though she carded bogies on the next 2 holes, she was still only 3 back of the best in our division. Anne finished the round with a 42 and looking back through the card she mentioned that she really can hang with these girls - she was only 5 strokes back of Tzunami, less with the HH girls! Ava struggled right out of the gate. She could not find distance with her long irons and metal woods resulting in misses tee to green. She finished with a 60, and though not her best, she knows what she needs to work on going forward. Ella Nordberg, new to the sport, is beginning to find some success with this game, but learning this way challenges even the best spirit. Note: She finished the day with a smile. Our USN girls booked a team total of 102 vs FRA at 70 and HH at 77. What a great day of Tiger Golf!