Houlton golfers capture PVC, Regional title

On Monday, the Houlton High School golf team remained undefeated, capturing the Class B Regional title at JaTo Highland in Lincoln.
The Shiretowners defeated 12 other opponents, including second place Hermon and Mattanawcook, which tied with a score of 353, followed by Presque Isle in fourth with a 358.
“They did an amazing job with the weather conditions they were playing in,” said Houlton coach Bruce Nason.
With gusting winds of 20-30 miles per hour and a bitter 45 degrees, Houlton’s Porter Gervais scored an 82 to tie for low medalist honors, while teammate Nikki Eastman shot an 87 for girl’s low medalist.
“Porter’s score is high for him,” said Nason, “so that in itself shows how bad the conditions were. But, Nikki shot an amazing score despite the conditions.”
Dealing with the elements was the toughest part of the day for the Shires.
“We didn’t play our best game,” said Nason, “but they stuck to what they needed to do and did their best.”
The Houlton team finished as Penobscot Valley Conference (PVC) and Regional champions, with four players qualifying for the state individual competition on Oct. 18 at Natanis Golf Course. They are Gervais, Dylan Flewelling, Ian Gervais, Nick Chase and Eastman.
“I am extremely proud of the kids,” Nason said. “They just stuck to it and did a great job.”
On Saturday, the Shiretowners will take on their Class B opponents at a very challenging Tomahawk Course at Natanis Golf Course in Vassalboro for the state title.
“There are dog legs and water, which makes the course even tougher,” said Nason. “We need to play target golf for sure. We need to hit the ball to certain spots to get to the green and set up our approach with proper shot angles.”
Two of the Shiretowners have tackled the course before, so P. Gervais and Flewelling will be relied upon for their leadership in getting the team ready for Saturday’s challenge.
“The kids are working hard every day,” Nason said.
The Katahdin Cougars and Central Aroostook Panthers will also be playing at Natanis Golf Course on Saturday at the Arrowhead Course in hopes of bringing home a title, as well.