NEW GARDEN – A team that has been tantalizingly close to a breakout victory this season finally got one.
The Kennett boys’ golf squad summed up its best score of the entire season on a wet and soggy day at Hartefeld National, besting Avon Grove 185-207 in a Ches-Mont crossover match Wednesday.
“Hartefeld National is a good test of golf and under very challenging conditions with the rain,” said Blue Demons’ head coach Kevin Murphy.
“To get four scores in the 30s is impressive. It was fun that we stepped up. I hope we saved a little something for round two with (West Chester) Rustin.”
Now 7-5 overall (5-3 in the Ches-Mont American), Kennett gets another shot at Rustin very soon after losing a close one in late August. The Demons have also had close losses at Coatesville and versus Garnet Valley.
“We played well today. This team is getting better, especially in the short game,” said sophomore standout Ian Rotto, who was the medalist with a 1-under-par 35.
It was an off day for the Red Devils, who entered the match near the top of the Ches-Mont National standings at 8-2, with both losses coming against West Chester Henderson. Avon Grove falls to 8-3 overall.
“It wasn’t a great day for us, but a couple guys played well,” said Devils’ head coach Cory Bauer. “This is a tough course and it was playing hard.
“It’s not the first time we’ve played in rain – it’s just another thing you have to deal with on the golf course. It’s part of the game and it’s something we have to be ready for.”
Rotto’s round included an eagle on the par-5 second hole, where he reached the green in two and 1-putted. He added birdies on Nos. 4 and 6, and had four pars. His only bad hole was a double bogey on the fifth.
“He seemed very nonplussed with his 35 – I’d be doing cartwheels,” Murphy said. “He shrugs and says, ‘I can get better.’
“If Ian was a stock, I’m buying because he is so driven and he is meticulous with his work. When he sets up his putting stations, he is doing it with purpose. He is all about golf, and it’s been neat to see his progression. He is at least 30-40 yards longer than last season because he is getting bigger and stronger.”
Murphy noted that two times this season, when rainy conditions forced a suspension of play, Rotto immediately went to the putting green to work on his game.
“When it’s pouring rain, and while others are running for cover, Ian runs to work on his putting,” he said.
“Some people don’t like to practice,” Rotto added. “But when you get in a groove, and you have music playing, or you just listen to the rain fall around you, it’s kind of peaceful. You can grind out some reps and strive to get better.”
Junior Matthew Pepe chipped in with an even-par 36, while seniors Kyle Doherty and Luke Ganly carded identical 37s for Kennett.
“Kyle and Matthew, that pairing, have been long hitters, but now their scores have been consistently good lately,” Murphy explained. “They can both hit it 300-plus off the tee, but we are seeing their whole game come together with some consistency.”
“Luke played well earlier in the season, but hasn’t scored well in a while. So it was good to see him get back to what we know he is capable of.”
Senior Zack Sullivan paced Avon Grove with a 39, but nobody else was able to break 40.
“For Kennett to have a 185, that is a great score here,” Bauer said. “There is not a whole lot we can do about what our opponent shoots. So you have to give credit (Kennett). They showed up and played well.”
Rotto started playing golf at the age of seven. His dad, Brian, got him started in the family backyard. And just a few years later as a freshman, Rotto broke the school’s nine-hole record (a 31, set by Evan Brown) when he fired a 30 at Hartefeld.
“I took to the game right away,” Rotto recalled. “In our backyard, my dad put up a net and I hit ground balls into that net until I eventually started improving.”
Kennett 185, Avon Grove 207
Par 36 at Hartefeld National
Avon Grove: Sullivan 39, Austin 40, Kennedy 40, Ryan 43, Bond 45.
Kennett: Rotto 35, Pepe 36, Doherty 37, Ganley 37, Eberly 40.
Source: Berkshire mont