By Cort Reynolds

KENTON__The Ada High School golf team decisively defeated county rival Hardin Northern in a dual match at the Veterans Memorial Park Golf Course in Kenton on Friday, August 15.

The Bulldogs defeated the Polar Bears, 202-217. Ada evened its dual match record at 1-1 with the win.

“We continue to improve each match and while we’re still not scoring to our potential, we are starting to at least score closer to our average,” said head coach Tod Schmidt.

“If we put a complete round together, this team should be able to cut another 20 strokes, mostly coming on the putting greens,” he offered. “We are starting to strike the ball well, but our short game needs more work and will be a point of emphasis in practice.”

Ada freshman Andrew Shook earned match medalist status by firing a nine-hole score of 44.

Bulldog junior Lawson Klingler was just one stroke off the winning pace after recording a 45. Senior newcomer Slade Gossman continued to improve as he shot a season-best 59. 

Schmidt pointed out that Klingler, Shook and Gavin Guyton each notched one birdie.  

Cody Thiel paced HN by carding a 46 to finish third in the 12-player field. Polar Bear Xaviour Emerine posted a 50 to come in fourth overall.

Ada competes in the second Blanchard Valley Conference tournament Monday, August 18 at Hidden Creek Golf Course in Lima.