Mounties down Clippers by 2

NORTH SMITHFIELD — The Mount St. Charles golf team took a big step toward automatic qualification for the state tournament Wednesday afternoon at Countryview.

Freshman Ben Ellis, a member at Agawam Hunt, carded an even-par 35 to lead the Mounties to a 158-160 win over Cumberland and a 158-176 victory over Lincoln in a Northern Division tri-meet.

Mount St. Charles (8-2-1 Northern Division) also received a 38 from sophomore Alex Neidzwiadek, can secure a spot at the state tournament with victories over North Smithfield on Monday at Countryview and the Northmen and Ponaganset Wednesday.

Cumberland (6-3 Northern Division) still has the chance to host the Northern Division playoff with a successful final week of the season. Derek Rivard led the Clippers with a 37 and senior Andrew Rzemien shot a 38.

Lincoln (5-5 Northern Division) will also reach the playoff match, slated to take place in two weeks. The Lions received a 39 from No. 1 Tim Cullen and a 43 from Anna Wahl.