Pirate golfers in the middle of the pack at Wildcat Invite

By Cort Reynolds
BOWLING GREEN - The Bluffton golf team finished eighth in the 14-team Wildcat Invitational at the Stone Ridge Golf Club Wednesday in Bowling Green.

Pettisville won the event with 318 strokes, followed by Margaretta in a distant second (340) and host Woodmore (344) in third. The Pirates totaled 367 strokes to edge Toledo Christian by one shot for eighth place.     

Kenny Lovett led the Pirates with an 18-hole score of 40-41=81. He finished strongly in a tie for eighth place amid the 81-player field.

Jaden Coonfare came in second among Bluffton players with a 42-51=93 tally. Teammate Wes Brauen carded a 49-47=96.     

Micah Minnig posted a 51-46=97 score, while Jacob Boisvert added a 53-56=109 total.     

Max Leppelmeier of Pettisville was match medalist with a score of 35-35=70.

The Pirates are slated to host Ada, Crestview and Columbus Grove in a four-team Northwest Conference match Thursday morning at the Bluffton Golf Course. 

Wildcat Invite Team Scores
1) Pettisville 318 strokes
2) Margaretta 340
3) Woodmore 344    
4) Lakota 345 
5) St. Henry 348
6) Old Fort 359     
7) Buckeye Central 362     
8) Bluffton 367
9)  Toledo Christian 368
10) Lincolnview 375
11) New Riegel 390
12) Hopewell-Loudon 398
13) Gibsonburg 471
14) Carey 475    

Top 10 Individuals
1. Max Leppelmeier, Pettisville (70) 
2. Carson Kennedy, Margaretta (72); Tommy  McWatters Pettisville (72) 
4. Dan Greenhill, Woodmore (73) 
5. Kyleigh Dull, Lakota (78) 
6. Andrew Combs, Old Fort (79) 
7. Ian Jacobson, Woodmore (80) 
8. Nate Niekamp, St. Henry (81); Kenny Lovett, Bluffton (81)
10. Caleb Nofziger, Pettisville (82).