Nevada golf falls to Carthage

Nevada Tiger golfer Justin Crooks watches an approach shot during Tuesday's dual with Carthage. Crooks tied for lowest score on the team with a nine-hole 46, but Nevada lost 158-185.

By Joe Warren

Nevada Daily Mail

Playing the back nine at the Frank E. Peters Municipal Golf Course, the Nevada Tigers were hoping to parlay a home-course advantage into a competitive match with the visiting Carthage Tigers.

Carthage wanted nothing to do with the competition, as they dominated the course with a nine-hole total of 158, beating Nevada by 27 shots despite a decent round from the hometown golfers.

"They're a good team," Nevada coach Brian Leonard said. "They have to decide on some tournaments whether to take their varsity or their JV."

Either one would have worked for Carthage Tuesday as even their junior varsity shot a 176, nine strokes better than the Nevada varsity.

Leonard was impressed with the Carthage varsity.

"Anytime you shoot under 160, you're going to win most matches," he said.

Nevada came through with a respectable 185 despite an off day from number-one player Branden Scism. Scism was the drop score with a 52.

Trey Gayman, Justin Crooks and David Cavener each shot 46 on the course, to pace Nevada.

Zach Braucher was the other Tiger varsity player, finishing one shot behind most of his teammates with a 47.

Leonard said that even though Nevada did not play poorly, he can see room for improvement.

"I'd like to get them each down about five or six more strokes," he said. "The putting and the short game is really hurting us."

Carthage's Matt Smallwood blistered the course with a 38 to lead all golfers. Teammates Taylor Griffith and Deric McClellan each carded a 39.

The Nevada JV shot a combined 206. Leading the JV was Sam Moore with a 48. Brice Leonard shot 52 and Brandon Davis tied with Bryon West at 53.

Garrett McKenzie was the only other Nevada golfer, finishing with a 70.

The Tigers will be in Joplin tomorrow as they participate in the Joplin Invitational at Twin Hills Country Club. Leonard expects a tough day on the links for the Tigers.

"We'll be inexperienced," Leonard said. "Twin Hills is tough. It will definitely be a learning experience."

The Joplin Invitational will be the first 18-hole tournament of the season for Nevada.

Leonard said he would be happy if the Tigers can keep their scores around 100.