Strong finish helps Bruin shoot even par at Gustin

Despite three stellar rounds, including freshman Joe Neal’s even-par 35, the Rock Bridge boys’ golf team lost to the Hannibal Pirates on Tuesday at A.L. Gustin.

Neal’s 35 was the best round turned in by any golfer, but the Bruins shot 164 on the afternoon, three strokes behind the Pirates.

“It was a pretty good round,” Neal said. “I started off not so well with a bogey on two and three, which isn’t usually what I’m looking for out here. But I finished strong with birdies on seven and eight, and I almost birdied nine.”

Rock Bridge coach Doug Daniels said, “He’s playing on a course where he’s comfortable. He did better than I thought he would, and that’s good to see.”

Junior Thomas Schuenemeyer shot a 4-over 39, and sophomore Mark Kollias shot a 5-over 40. The Bruins held a 10-stroke advantage as the first three golfers came into the clubhouse.

“Yesterday, (Thomas) put together his first good 18-hole tournament,” Daniels said. “He played more like I expected him to play. I think he did fine today, although his putter was a little bit shaky. It’s hard to follow up a really good round with another one two days in a row.”

But the Nos. 4 and No. 5 golfers for the Bruins were outplayed. Sophomore Ryan Wilkerson shot 50, and sophomore Tim Gross’ 51 didn’t even count in the final scoring. Meanwhile, Hannibal’s Neil Ghanti and shot 40, and Eli Collins shot 41.

Hannibal was led by junior Cory Scott, who shot a 3-over 38. His brothers, senior Brian and sophomore Brice, each shot 42.

“We had three scores that were pretty good, but we just couldn’t bring in the fourth score,” Daniels said. “I was surprised that Tim didn’t do better, because he’s usually pretty consistent, and he has shot 40 out here before.”

The Bruins will compete in the District 5 tournament at 8:30 a.m. Monday at Meadowlake Acres Country Club.

“I think Hickman would have to be the heavy favorite to win district and go to state,” Daniels said. “They’ve been winning everything up until now, so there’s no reason to think they won’t. But anything can happen.

“Thomas would have to be considered as a definite possibility (to get to state). We have guys that are capable of getting hot, and if they do, then they can make it.”