CHILLICOTHE, Ohio -Consistency ruled the day as the Belpre golfers captured Wednesday's Ohio Division 3 sectional title at Jaycees Golf Course.
Despite losing junior Brennen Ferrell to a wrist injury, the Golden Eagles accounted for four of the top 10 individual scores and finished with a 334 to advance to next Tuesday's district meet at Cumberland Trail Golf Course in Pataskala.
"Brennen was missed, but the other guys rose to the challenge," Belpre coach Scott Miller said of his No. 2 golfer in the lineup.
Sam Petty paced Belpre with a 9-over par 81, while Alex Perry added an 82. Following Hayden Plummer's 84 was Ferrell's replacement, Bryce Pittinger, who carded an 87.
Belpre's fifth man was Dakota Hoffman with a 91.
"Bryce wasn't going to play today, but he got his chance because of Brennen's injury and his score was one that we used," Miller said.
Waterford also qualified for the district meet after placing second at 349 thanks to Brandyn Offenberger, who earned medalist honors with a 75. Rounding out the scoring for the Wildcats were Montana Brooker (88), Brent Ginther (91) and Cameron Bosner (95).
Crooksville's Caleb Jago (79) and Adena's Peyton Cooper (81) also advanced as individuals not members of a qualifying team.
The district meet in Pataskala will include a total of 12 teams, with the top three placewinners reserving a spot in the state tournament (Oct. 12-13) in Columbus.
"Districts is what we have been shooting for all along - now we have to prove we are supposed to be there and make something happen," Miller said.
