Golf teams finish last at Mountain Home

■ Both teams showed improved on day two.

The Siloam Springs boys golf team improved their team score by 16 strokes, but the Panthers still finished last out of 11 teams Tuesday on the final day of the Ultimate Auto Group Invitational at Big Creek Golf Course and Country Club in Mountain Home.

The Siloam Springs girls carded an identical score on their final day and also finished last.

“First off, it’s always fun to come and play Big Creek during the Ultimate Auto and we are always appreciative of the invite,” said Siloam Springs golf coach Michael Robertson. “When you come here you know you’re playing a tough but fair golf course that will be in great shape. This tournament is such a great test with big-time competition from teams that think they can win the state title and that’s why we come over here. Obviously we are a young group. I think we had one of 11 kids who had been here before. Five freshmen played their first match ever and eight or nine played their first varsity match ever.”

After shooting a 417 on Monday, the Panthers rallied to score a 401 on Tuesday for a team score of 818. Cabot finished first overall at 599, followed by Little Rock Catholic 608, North Little Rock 627, Jonesboro 642, Conway 644, Rogers 651, host Mountain Home 670, Greenwood 694, Shiloh Christian 750 and Marion 765.

Dalton McGinnis, of Deer, which did not field a team score, carded a two-day 140 for the medalist honors.

Siloam Springs junior Breck Soderquist shot a 91 on Tuesday, nine strokes lower than his Monday score, to finish with a twoday total of 191 to lead Siloam Springs and finish 44th overall.

Junior Max Perkins lowered his day one score 13 strokes for a 92 on Tuesday and a two-day total of 197.

Junior Ethan Owens shot 106 on Tuesday for a total of 210,

while Nick Driscoll shot 113 on Tuesday to combine with Nick Gray’s score of 108 on Monday for a total of 221.

Junior Chris Svebek shot 112 on Tuesday for a total of 223.

“Day one (Monday) was a learning experience for all our kids,” Robertson said. “You can’t simulate the pressure of that course or 105 golfers and so it was great for all our kids to get out there and experience that pressure. I was so proud of each of them for battling through tough conditions. I thought we hit the ball really well for the most part. We just have to stay away from the areas that penalize you and learn how to navigate the course better. The bunkers and green speed really was an adjustment.”

The Lady Panthers shot 369 for the second straight day to finish with a twoday total of 738. Cabot finished first at 489, followed by Mount St. Mary at 539, Greenwood 545, Mountain Home 557, Harrison 568, Conway 577, Jonesboro 605, Shiloh Christian 664 and Marion 727.

Lauren Loeb of Mount St. Mary earned the medalist honor with a two-day total of 152.

Siloam Springs freshman Brooke Smith shot 121 on Tuesday for a two-day total of 239 to finish 32nd overall.

Senior Kendi Williamson also shot 121 on Tuesday for a total of 243 and finished 33rd. Senior Caroline Perry shot 127 for a total of 256, freshman Baylee Morris 131 for a total of 266 and Mackenzie Sontag 140 for a total of 282.

“Day two saw some really good moments from both teams with several posting much better numbers but even more importantly showing improvement,” Robertson said. “I saw nice routines on the green and better course management. These two days were good for our teams and I am excited about the opportunity for growth over the next few weeks. We will get back to work tomorrow and will look forward to competing again on Monday.”

The Panthers and Lady Panthers return to action on Monday against Rogers at Lost Springs Golf & Athletic Club.