Shires state runners-up; Cougars fourth

The Houlton High School varsity golf team finished second in the Class B state meet at Natanis Golf Club’s Tomahawk course in Vassalboro on Saturday.
“We played very well,” said Houlton coach Bruce Nason. “We finished as state runners-up.”
Though the boys were disappointed that they didn’t bring home the trophy, Nason reminded them of 11 teams they were second in the state, they could have been farther down the line.
“We were the smallest Class B school,” Nason said. “I am proud of them. They did very well.”
Falmouth captured the title, shooting a team score of 319, while the Shiretowners carded a 324, followed by York with a 328; Belfast with a 334; Yarmouth, 347; Mattanawcook, 361; Presque Isle, 372; Hermon, 374; Mountain Valley, 375; Lincoln Academy, 377 and Waterville, 381.
Low medalist for the state meet was Belfast’s Doug Martin with a 75.
Leading Houlton’s scoring was sophomore Ian Gervais with a 78, while sophomore teammate Nick Chase tallied an 80.
“Nick had a career round, a great round,” Nason said. “He did outstanding on that course and played remarkable for a first-year player. We were happy for him. He did a great job.”
With the younger players accepting the challenge and leading the team speaks volumes for next season, as well.
Seniors Porter Gervais and Dylan Flewelling each finished with 83s, while Greg Foster scored a 96.
Though the Houlton scores were higher than usual for the veteran players, Nason attributed that factor to pressure.
“They did the best they could,” he added. “There was a lot of pressure on them, more self-induced because of the course was tough and the conditions windy. They played to the best of their abilities and you can’t fault them for that.”
There is one more week of golf left, with the state individual golf meet this Saturday on Tomahawk course at Natanis Golf Club.
Chase, Nikki Eastman, Flewelling and the Gervais brothers will represent Houlton High School.
In the Class C state golf meet, Katahdin was fourth with a score of 358 behind top finisher St. Dominic’s, 327; Wiscasset, 355 and Piscataquis, 357.
Low medalist for Class C was Wiscasset’s Jordan Jones with a 74.
Evan McCarthy led Katahdin with a score of 84, with Josh Guiggey a stroke behind. Andrew Hawkins tallied a 95, while Brandon Robinson hit a 94 and Lucas Craig finished with a 106.