Story and photo gallery by CHRIS BROOKS, managing editor, wellsvillesports.com
WELLSVILLE — Spring has sprung at the Wellsville Country Club. There was no better weather to go out and play a round of golf on the links, than on Wednesday for the Lions season opener against the Wolverines of Bolivar-Richburg.
With both teams basking in the sunshine, the clear blue skies and perhaps a wind gust or few, the victory in action would ultimately belong to Wellsville, as their season kicked off on a positive note with a 213-264 victory led by a medalist round delivered by the strong play of Ethan Bailey.
Bailey was the match’s leading scorer, as the Lions (1-0) used his lowest round of 43 to set up shop for their triumphant season debut. Following behind him was Jackson Shoughrue, who recorded a round of 55. Noah Brogan chipped in with a 57, while Maddy Parks had a 58 to pitch in.
For the Wolverines (0-1), Ryder Easton led all golfers with a team-low round of 56. Parker Worth was not far behind, firing a round of 57. Maddox Day tallied a 63, while Connor Sisson had an 88. Bolivar-Richburg will return to the Wellsville Country Club next Wednesday, this time against host Genesee Valley/Belfast in a 4 p.m. tee time.
On Friday, the Lions will hit the road themselves for the first time this season, as they head out to Indian Hills Golf Club in Addison to take on the host Knights at 4 p.m.
Fillmore 214, Cuba-Rushford 225
RUSHFORD — It was a tight battle across the board to open both Fillmore and Cuba-Rushford’s season on the links, Wednesday evening at Allegheny Hills. Both teams showcased an even balance up and down the scorecard, but in the end, a match-low round of 47 fired by Reid Cockle helped create just enough balance for the Eagles to take care of business with a narrow 214-225 win over the Rebels.
Following Cockle on the Fillmore (1-0) scorecard was Layton Sanasith, as he posted a round of 55. Anderson Wiltsey and Sam Cool each chipped in with rounds of 56 each, while Jack Cool rounded off with a score of 57 to finish off the Eagles victory.
Despite the defeat, Cuba-Rushford (0-1) saw Sebastian Saulter take lead at the top of the scorecard with a fantastic round, posting a team-low round of 51. Not far behind him was Haven Kellogg, as he posted a round of 52. Clifford Karn posted a 60, while Ethan Fries and Kaden Bell rounded off with scores of 62 and 63, respectively. The Rebels will head for the Ischua Valley Golf Club in Franklinville, where they will meet Hinsdale in a 4 p.m. tee-time on Tuesday.
Fillmore will mark their return to Allegheny Hills next Wednesday night with a 4 p.m. match slated against the Lions of Wellsville.
BOYS TENNIS
Addison 4, Wellsville 1
ADDISON — The Knights of Addison were at the top of their game on Wednesday, as they warded off tough competition from the Lions of Wellsville every step of the way, recording four victories out of the five matches on the tennis court to set up what was a 4-1 home victory.
The win for Addison was highlighted by a complete sweep of all three singles matches, but Wellsville (1-2) would not allow them to take the wins without a fight, as Hua Qui Zhang overcame a first set shutout in his first singles match to apply some late pressure. Gavan Dickerson (6-2, 6-1 defeat) and Adam Iantorno (6-3, 6-3 defeat) also gave strong showings in their matches at second and third singles.
In the doubles department, the first doubles team of Shane Davidson and Jayden Acker gave it all they had, forcing an extended session in the second set but ultimately falling in a 6-3, 7-5 decision. Wellsville would find a way to record their first and only win of the match from Joel Janssen and Jeremiah Pensyl at second doubles, as the duo overcame a first set defeat to provide a solid response in the last two sets to come away victorious with a 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 win.
The Lions will look to bounce back in a quick turnaround tonight back home, hosting Fillmore in a 5 p.m. first serve.
Singles
1. Bastien Delmotti (ADD) def. Hua Qui Zhang (WLSV), 6-0, 6-2.
2. Mattia Canpri (ADD) def. Gavan Dickerson (WLSV), 6-2, 6-1.
3. Brent Knaish (ADD) def. Adam Iantorno (WLSV), 6-3, 6-3.
Doubles
1. Charles Jacobson/Nick Wright (ADD) def. Shane Davidson/Jayden Acker (WLSV), 6-3, 7-5.
2. Joel Janssen/Jeremiah Pensyl (WLSV) def. Fin Jacobson/Caleb Abbott (ADD), 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Allegany-Limestone 5, Bolivar-Richburg 0
BOLIVAR — A dominant performance was displayed by Allegany-Limestone over the road in Bolivar on Wednesday, as the Gators found their stroke in all five matches on the court to spoil the Wolverines and their season-opening match with a 5-0 shutout in pro-set play.
Allegany-Limestone made their mark with all three victories in the singles matches, as Anthony Densmore (1st) and Zane Pangburn (3rd) both fell in 10-2 decisions, while Guinevere Coats was defeated by a 10-1 count by her opposition at second singles.
In the doubles department, the first doubles team of Nebula Wilson-Smith and Alex Parker, along with the second doubles team of Natasha Metz and Jamie Werner were both shutout by a 10-0 decision over their opposition.
Bolivar-Richburg will return to action on the road on Monday with a 5 p.m. visit to Cuba-Rushford.
Singles
1. Luke Griffin (A-L) def. Anthony Densmore (B-R), 10-2.
2. Johan Marais (A-L) def. Guinevere Coats (B-R), 10-1.
3. Thomas Buffamante (A-L) def. Zane Pangburn (B-R), 10-2.
Doubles
1. Mia Giannichi/Ipshita Patra (A-L) def. Nebula Wilson-Smith/Alex Parker (B-R), 10-0.
2. Aiden Gardner/Madison Callen (A-L) def. Natasha Metz/Jamie Werner (B-R), 10-0.
Chris Brooks photos:
