VW golfers win 15-team tournament

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DEFIANCE — The 2012 golf season started out exceptionally well for the Van Wert Cougar golf team, which took the first place trophy in a 15-team invitational at Eagle Rock Golf Club in Defiance.

The highlight was having three Cougars in the 70s in the 18-hole tourney, where 71 was par. Van Wert was led by senior Jake Brake’s 75, good for tournament runner-up. He was followed by Brandon Hernandez, who had a 77, good enough for third place individual honors after he won a playoff with Luke Schaffer of Bryan.

Senior Tyler Turnwald pitched in a 79 and Lucas Etzler rounded out the scoring for Van Wert with an 83. Fifth man Justin Price had his score dropped as only the top four scores count in a five man tournament. “We had a real steady day as a unit, the guys have played a bunch of golf this summer and it showed,” said Van Wert Coach Jeff Hood.

The Cougar varsity and junior varsity will play a dual match against Bryan at Orchard Hills Country Club today.

The Cougars’ first home match will be Monday, August 20, against Shawnee. The match will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Willow Bend Country Club.