The MCHS golf squad laced up their golf shoes for their final regular season tri-match Tuesday afternoon at Saddle Creek Golf Club in Lewisburg and it was a big one versus two-time region champs Cascade and

Columbia Central.

In the end, the Wartrace duffers barely escaped the upset, beating the Tigers 164-169.

Second time around

"This was our second time playing Cascade and our guys felt like that they could play with them," said MCHS head coach Robby Giles. "We came up a little short, but it was a great match heading in to the tournament. It lets us know where we need to be."

The Tigers played some inspired golf, led by the big two, senior Austin Blade, who shot a one-over par 37, while junior standout Brooks Leftwich needed one shot more than the big lefty, coming home in 38 strokes.

"Those two have been our leaders all year and they are leading by example with these low scores," said Giles. "I expect these guys to stay hot and carry this team to the next level."

Carson Hill and Zach Smith carded identical 47s for Giles' squad in the close five-stroke defeat.

Falling scores

"Our scores have continued to drop and that's what we stride for each match," said Giles. "All the players understand their role on the team and we have gelled nicely heading in to the tourney."

Cascade was led by Tyler Huff's one-under par 35, while Tanner Burks carded a 40, Chad Gordon signed for a 44, and Bryce Clinton came to the clubhouse in 45 strokes.

Columbia Central also posted a team score of 169 to tie the Tigers as Jackson Calvin fired an even par 36, Robert Johnson had a 41, Matthew Bushey needed 44 strokes, and Davis Sheppard rounded out the scoring with a 48.

The Tigers finished the regular season with an impressive 12-5-3 record and Giles said about the experience in his first year at the helm of the storied program that has two state championship trophies.

"It's been great. These players are not only great golfers but they are great kids as well. I think they have taught me more than I have taught them. It's been a lot of fun."

The District 12A/AA Tournament begins Monday at the Lawrenceburg Country Club with MCHS teeing off at 9 a.m.

Team goals

"Our goals are to advance, take it match by match and keep advancing," said Giles. "These kids are motivated and they know what it takes to get to that next level."

The Tigers finished second at last year's district tournament to Cascade and were runners-up to the Champions in the region tournament, losing by a whopping 26 strokes.

MCHS has three players returning to Lawrenceburg Country and Giles feels their experience will be a key factor in challenging for the title.

"The returning players played there last year and we have played a practice round there this year so the kids are familiar with the course, now it's just all about executing," said Giles.