DAYTON, Tenn. — Missing a pair of 2024 TSSAA State qualifiers didn't slow down the Walker Valley Mustangs Monday, galloping away with a tri-match sweep of Bradley Central and host Rhea County.
"It was great to get a win without Harrison (Yost)or Drew (Thompson)," related Herd wrangler Will Campbell. "It really speaks to our depth and talent.
"We had a good showing today at the Dayton Golf and Country Club. Guys played well with three guys in the 30s.
It was a good day for the Mustangs!
"Proud of their hard work. We got a ways to go to get where we want to be, but today was a positive step," he praised of his Mustangs' 154 tally, to down the Bears by nine strokes (163) and host Golden Eagles by 20 (174).
In the girls action, Bradley continued its strong season, notching two more victories with an 8-over 80 team tally, while Rhea shot 89 and the Lady Mustangs 102.
Walker Valley and Bradley will be back on their home course at Flagstone Thursday, welcoming Soddy Daisy.
Rhea County travels to The Links at Lake Toccoa Tuesday to battle Loudon.
With Yost and Thompson unavailable, freshman Cody Walter led the Mustang charge Monday, firing an even-par 36 for low-medalist honors.
Junior Knox Finch wasn't far behind, tying for the second-best score with a 2-over 38, while classmate Malachi Maples came in at 3-over 39.
"Cody had a really good (half) round to lead us," commented Coach Campbell. "Knox and Malachi also played well, breaking 40. Having a pair of underclassmen lead us today speaks well for our future."
Senior Cason Lannom rounded out the winning total with a 41, while sophomore Luke Finnell and junior Colton Widener both shot 43s in support.
The a couple of Bears broke 40 as well with senior Andrew Suttles tying Finch with a 2-over 38, while sophomore Braxton Reagen was at 3-over 39.
Senior Andrew Walker fired a 40, while classmate Jacob Rayfield added 46 to the team tally.
"The guys are not playing with the consistency we did earlier in the year," assessed Bradley head coach Chuck Clark. "Every team runs through some struggles and we have the last two matches.
"The good thing is our players have a great work ethic and we’ll figure it out before tournament time."
Eli Everett topped the Rhea tally with a 3-over 39, followed by Zachary Hennessee 942), Eli Travis (45) and JT Robbins (48).
The Bearettes had little trouble sweeping yet another trimatch with senior Addie Geren taking home low-medalist honors with a 2-over 38.
Classmate and 2023 state qualifier Colby Ann Turner added a 42, while freshman Avery Chastain shot 45 in support.
"The girls are playing pretty good golf," praised Coach Clark. "No mid-season blues."
The Lady Eagles saw freshman Lydia Deal posted a 43, with senior Alyssa Stinnett not far behind at 46.
Freshman Callie Kessler led the way for the Lady Mustangs with a 45, while classmate Emilynn Brown shot 57.
"The girls played well," commented Coach Campbell. "Callie Kessler has been playing well and shooting consistent scores for us."
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