Young lineup shows promise at Alliance

With the bulk of the varsity team not in attendance and another injured during play, the Red Raiders finished fifth at the Alliance Invite Saturday.

By scoring an impressive 300, Scottsbluff was the runaway winner of the event as four of their counted rounds were completed in less than 80 strokes. Their fifth score was an 80.

As for the Individuals, Koy Potthoff was the winner with a one under par 71.

The Raiders' most experienced varsity golfer at Sky View was freshman Nate Dvorak. Unfortunately he sustained an injury on the eighth hole. Dvorak's departure also meant that Sidney would not have the luxury of a throw-away score.

With his 18-hole experience at Hastings earlier this month, freshman Elliot Jones was the only Raider left on the course who had previously been in a varsity match. Jones had a solid day as he led Sidney with a 90.

The other Raiders scores included Montana Morrison (97), Tyler Miller (113) and Brett McConnell (120).

Coach Chuck Christensen also brought three junior varsity players: Zach Means, Jack Fedderson and Mitch Uerhultz.

With the regular varsity squad out it was a chance, some thought, to make an impression on Coach Christensen.

"I try to take advantage of all the opportunities I'm given," said Jones.

Earlier this season Jones posted an 88 at the Sidney Invite, his best round so far in competition. He was encouraged by Saturday's round.

"I was hoping to shoot something around 86," said Jones. "My putting was solid but there are plenty of areas I need work on."

After his first varsity match Morrison, another freshman, showed there's plenty of upside to his future career. Like most golfers, however, he couldn't help but look back at the shots he missed.

"For my first varsity tournament I'm pretty happy with the day," said Morrison. "But there were so many shots I could have played better. If I just focused a little more on some holes I could have saved a few more strokes."

Despite the solid round Morrison struggled most with his consistency.

"I would have three pars in a row and then throw in a couple of double bogies," he said.

Among the junior varsity trio, Uerhultz had an enjoyable experience despite not playing his best golf. He walked off the 15th green with a birdie after a well-played shot. After landing his approach shot in the bunker, he recovered by blasting his ball into the cup. But overall, he saw many areas for improvement.

"When I was in the fairway I wish I could have kept my head down more often," said Uerhultz. "I was hitting my sand wedge close to the hole a lot today though. I was happy with that."

The Raiders match at Scottsbluff scheduled for Monday has been rescheduled for Thursday due to Monday's high win. The shotgun start is expected to get underway at 9 a.m. at Scotts Bluff Country Club.

Alliance Invite

Team Scores

1. Scottsbluff 300

2. Alliance 327

3. Gering 337

4. Chadron 352

5. Sidney 420

6. Laramie JV 426

Sidney Scores

Elliot Jones 90

Montana Morrison 97

Tyler Miller 113

Brett McConnell 120

Nate Dvorak WD