For Plainfield East, It's Mission Accomplished

BRISTOL – The Oswego and Plainfield North high school boys golf programs had the same goals during their Southwest Prairie Conference dual meet Wednesday at Blackberry Oaks Golf Course.

Those goals centered on gaining experience and improving.

Both teams accomplished their goals in Oswego's 173-192 victory.

Four of the top five scores for Oswego were turned in by juniors. Plainfield East's top two scores came from a freshman and a sophomore.

"We've said all year that once some of our juniors gain a little varsity experience, they would start scoring for us," Oswego coach Chad Pohlmann said.

Matt Anderson's 41 led the Panthers. The junior earned medalist honors and four individual SPC points. The league champion and all-SPC members are decided by points earned during the season and at the conference meet in two weeks.

"Tyler (Williams) backed up his round yesterday (42) with another good score today," Pohlmann said. "Matt came through with a 41 and had a couple of bad holes today. He could have shot even better, but that's golf. Mark (Gilloffo) and Brad (Coates) did not have their best days, but they'll be back."

Junior Chris Britton shot a 43, while Williams, a junior, posted a 44. Senior Ryan Mulivihill also shot a 44 for the Panthers, who have six SPC team points.

"We're trying to gain momentum over the next two weeks for the conference and regional tournaments," Pohlmann said. "We have Plainfield Central next and that will be a good challenge for us on our home course.

"They are clearly the front-runners right now. They have been playing well all year long. It will be good for us to see where we're at heading into the conference and regional tournaments."

Plainfield East freshman Jake Kaufman scored 2.5 individual points by shooting a 43.

"We shot less than 200 and that's our goal this year," Plainfield East coach Brad Neubauer said. "We've done that in just about every meet. Right now, it's about consistency. Nos. 1 through 8, we can take any of the scores. Any of the guys can shoot a 42 one day and a 55 the next."

Sophomore Kevin Pikul had a 48. Kaufman and Pikul were paired in the first grouping for the Bengals.

"We're still young and that's not an excuse," Neubauer said. "Our top two scorers today were a freshman and a sophomore. Next year and the year after, we should be able to put up some good scores.

"We'll get there. The guys have to work on it. The guys are having fun and, ultimately, that's important. They are having fun, improving and that's all I care about."