Despite a tight loss to a hosting Sussex Tech at The Rookery, Indian River golf coach Neil Beahan said he’s very pleased with the way the team has been handling the opening of the season.
Coastal Point • RUSLANA LAMBERT:
Connor Vanderhook admires a drive. He shot a 42 against Sussex Tech, a personal best, in Tuesday’s loss.
The Indians triumphed over Sussex Central 167-227 on their home course, Cripple Creek, to start the season last Thursday. They followed that with a 7-2 match score victory at Red Lion Christian Academy on Friday, though their early-season streak came to an end Tuesday when they fell just short, 169-160, to the long-hitting Milton-based team.
“We flat-out got beat,” said Beahan. “They can play a long game, but if we’re scoring in the 160’s, I’m not going to fault our guys. If we can manage to keep the scores around there, we’re going to win most of the time.”
The Indians, a young team with only three seniors, only had two players who had even stepped foot on the course.
“We played really well for not knowing the layout of the course,” Beahan added. “We’ve had a lot of away matches early in the season, and it’s not always easy for these guys to be playing somewhere new.”
The Indians were set to turn right around to play Thursday, March 29, at Polytech. And Beahan’s team will gain the upper hand next week as they host Cape Henlopen on Tuesday and Milford on Thursday.
Beahan added that he’s pleased to see integration between his players progress.
“[Senior] Drew Gibbons had been working with Connor Vanderhook over the past practices,” noted Beahan, “and [Connor] has really improved his swing.” The helpful teamwork paid off for Vanderhook as he shot his personal best, a 42, on Tuesday, despite the team’s loss.
“I’m glad that the team is working together,” said Beahan. “These matches are up to them and they have to realize that. We just have to stay focused and keep our heads in the game. If we can keep the scores low, this will be a great season for these guys.”