Wehrly fifth for Patriots in opener

DECATUR — The Patriots had been playing well in the little time they’ve had to practice.

First-year coach Trisha Green was hopeful it would carry over into the start of the season.

Two of them did just that.

A pair of Jay County High School girls golfers kicked off the 2020 season by placing in the top 15 on Tuesday in the Bellmont Invitational at Cross Creek Golf Club.

“The girls struggled a little bit but it was the first meet (and) a long day,” said Green, whose squad took fourth out of five scoring teams. “I’m just proud of them for sticking with it.”

Host Bellmont claimed the team championship for the second time in as many seasons, firing a 412 to get the win. The Garrett Railroaders were three strokes behind and runner-up, while the Norwell Knights were third with 431.

Jay County, led by three seniors including Raquel Wehrly’s fifth-place finish, totaled 441 for fourth. Bluffton shot 453 and Adams Central only had one golfer.

Playing out of the No. 3 spot, Wehrly shot even on the 139-yard, par 3 seventh hole as well as the 296-yard, par-4 ninth. She made the turn with a 48, nine strokes better than any of her teammates.

The senior shot three strokes higher on the back nine to finish with a 99 for fifth.

“Raquel did awesome with a 99,” Green said. Wehrly shot 110 at the same invitational last season. “I was impressed with her in the first meet.

“She was just focused. She was concentrating (and) and she was hitting straight … She just played consistent golf all day long. I was impressed with her focus.”

Erika Heitkamp, another senior, posted the Patriots’ second-best score while in the No. 1 position. She made par once and finished with a score of 110, which was 12th overall.

The top 15 individuals received ribbons.

“She’s playing really well in practice,” Green said. “I know that she wasn’t super happy with how she did today. I think she’ll do better tomorrow.”

The Patriots play in the South Adams Invitational on Wednesday at Wabash Valley Golf Course in Geneva.

Abby Huey was third on the team with her 114, and Jacqueline Smith completed the team total with 118.

Paityn Chapman made her varsity debut, and carded a 128.

“There is a lot of (room) for improvement,” Green said. “This course is hard, especially not playing here. There is a lot of water, there is a lot of out of bounds (areas).

“I think overall they did well sticking with it.”

Following Wednesday’s invitational, the Patriots don’t play again until a four-way match with Allen County Athletic Conference rivals South Adams, Woodlan and host Heritage on Monday. They meet Muncie Central on Aug. 13 and Anderson Aug. 17 before playing their first home match on Aug. 24 against Monroe Central and Bluffton.

Jay County also has home matches against Richmond (Aug. 27), a three-team match Sept. 1 against Winchester and Fort Recovery then a match with Delta on Sept. 10.

The ACAC tournament is slated for Sept. 12 at Celina Lynx Golf Club, and sectional is Sept. 19 at Crestview Golf Course in Muncie.