Tiger golfers have high expectations once again this fall

Tie for ninth in season-opening Capital Classic

SISSONVILLE -- After winning a regional title for the first time in nearly 30 years last season, the Elkins High School golf team is poised for another trip to states.

Lucas D'Angelo, Drew Hinzman and Dylan Hinzman, return to lead the Tigers, who placed fifth in last year's Class AA state tourney.

The trio were back on the course Thursday in the season-opening Capital City Classic held over the Edgewood Country Club Course.

Elkins finished with a team-score 244 to tie Spring Valley for ninth among the 33 teams competing.

"It was a good start and hopefully we can continue playing with confidence," Tigers coach Dave Baird said. "We beat all the teams that we wanted to beat in our conference (Big 10) and region."

Drew and Dylan Hinzman each carded 80s to pace Elkins, while Lucas D'Angelo followed with an 84.

Luca Collier finished with a decent score as well, according to Baird, but unfortunately had a DQ due to a scorecard error.

Shady Spring finished with a team-score 215 to win Thursday's event, with Cabell Midland (220), Hurricane "A" (224), Parkersburg (231) and defending Class AA state champion Winfield (235) rounding out the top five.

Big 10 schools competing included Fairmont Senior (20th) and Lewis County (21st).

Pocahontas County was also among the field, carding a team-total 293 to finish 25th.

Cabell Midland's Jack Michael shot a 69 to win low-medalist honors.

Elkins competes in another Callaway Series tournament at Oglebay on Tuesday.