With the sectional tournament approaching, the Marietta High golf team is looking good after a 154-181 victory over Warren Monday at Marietta Country Club.
The Tigers had two golfers break 40 at the match, with freshman Jeffrey Hensler shooting an even par (35) and senior Jared Hammons finishing two over (37).
Hensler, who medaled for the second time this season, had an impressive birdie on the final hole. After driving to the middle of the fairway, Hensler hit his second shot over 100 yards to within a few feet of the hole, setting up the easy putt. It was that kind of day for the freshman, who attributed his performance to good luck.
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JORDAN HOLLAND The Marietta Times
Marietta senior golfer Jared Hammons chipping on No. 18 in a non-conference golf match against Warren at Marietta Country Club Monday. Hammons shot two over par (37) to help the Tigers win 154-181
"I got lucky on a lot of holes today," Hensler said.
"I hit a good shot (on the final hole). I was trying to play it a little short, and it went close."
Hammons, who recently earned ECOL Player of the Year honors, has played at a high level all season, while Hensler has come into his own here in the second half of the season.
Fact Box
At Marietta Country Club
Marietta 154, Warren 181
Marietta (82-25):
Hensler- 35 (Even)
Hammons- 37 (+2)
Thieman- 41 (+6)
Matheney- 41 (+6)
Broughton- 42 (+7)
Bertram- 45 (+10)
Warren:
Sams- 42 (+7)
Lang- 46 (+11)
Patton- 46 (+11)
McKenna- 47 (+12)
Farley- 49 (+14)
Flesher- 53 (+18)
Next match: Marietta at Zanesville vs. Zanesville and Cambridge Wednesday
Head coach John Doughty likes the one-two punch they have provided.
"It's really nice to have both of them playing this well right before the tournament," Doughty said. "Hopefully it continues. Jeff medaling tonight says a lot."
Meanwhile, Nick Thieman (41), Nathan Matheney (41), Joe Broughton (42), and Garrett Bertram (45) all had good matches Monday.
The well-balanced Tigers look poised to make a run in the postseason.
"Right now, we have a good chance to get out of the sectional," Doughty said.
"Districts are always tough, with the teams up north playing well. For us to play well Monday will speak volumes. Hopefully we can get out of districts and show them what we've got."
Hensler also thinks the team can do well in the tournament.
"I hope so," he said. "That would be a pretty big achievement."
For Warren, Michael Sams was the top scorer with a 42. Adam Lang and Reece Patton each shot a 46, while Zach McKenna shot a 47 and Steve Farley a 49. Alex Flesher rounded out the scoring for the Warriors with a 53.
Both Warren and Marietta have had successful seasons thus far, so the winner usually leaves satisfied.
"It's a good win for us," Doughty said.
"We kind of treated it as a warm up for sectional play next Monday. I think Warren feels the same way."
The Tigers are now 82-25 on the season, and their next match is Wednesday at Zanesville against Zanesville and Cambridge.
