Polson golfers ready for divisionals

LIBBY - Polson's girls golf team picked up right where they left off at Columbia Falls with another convincing win at the Libby Invitational on Friday, Sept. 16. Led by Kat Medland's second-place score of 90, the Lady Pirates once again won big, this time by 41 strokes over runner-up Whitefish High School.

"They didn't think they did well, but they did," head coach Bill Owen said of his team's 382 to Whitefish's 423.

Last week, Owen said Columbia Falls was the toughest course his team had faced throughout the season, but changed his tune after Libby.

"Libby is built on mountainside, lots of things can happen, especially on the back nine," Owen said.

Medland's score was only two strokes behind the top score for the round, an impressive performance in the eyes of coach.

"She really stepped up," Owen said of Medland's season-low score. "I like what's happening with this team."

Following Medland on the Lady Pirates scorecard was Anna Digiallonardo with a 94, Jaylin Kenny and Nicole Clairmont with even 100s and Makaliah Wilson at 109.

"She's been steady all year," Owen said of Digiallonardo.

On the boys' side, Hayden Congdon led the way, notching an 86, good for a fourth-place finish while leading the Pirates to a seventh-place team result at 404. As impressive as Congdon's performance was, Owen says he's really excited for his prospects this weekend.

"I think he'll do even better at divisionals," Owen said. "I talked to him and he said his overall iron play could use improvement, but his putting has been pretty strong."

The state tournament takes the top 15 golfers, which is a great sign for Congdon's prospects, as Owen said the Libby tournament featured what could be a tougher lineup than divisionals. Rounding out the top five boys rounds, Dalton Noyes scored a 97, Ryan Thurman came in at 108, Reno Lindesmith shot a 113 and Brian Jore recorded a 124. With divisionals set for this weekend at the home course in Polson, Owen said he expects big things from both teams.

"For the boys, I'm hoping they step up," Owen said. "They didn't have a great tournament at Libby, some pretty high scores. They take the top three to state and we have a chance to do that."

As far as the girls go, Owen is expecting more of the same results.

"I would like us to make a statement heading into state," Owen said.