RAEFORD — Hitting the links for the first time this season, the Richmond Raider golf team played a nine-hole match at Bayonet at Puppy Creek Golf Course on Monday.
One of seven Sandhills Athletic Conference teams competing, the Raiders and head coach Keith Parsons notched a sixth-place finish.
Using the top four scores from each team to determine the final scoring, the Raiders shot a 203, just one stroke behind fifth-place Union Pines High School (202).
Pinecrest High School won the match with a team score of 145, followed by Lee County (174), Hoke County (182) and Southern Lee (191). Scotland finished last with a score of 226.
Leading the Raiders on the scoresheet was freshman Kevin Tabacolde, who finished his round with a score of 41 (+5) in his high school debut. Second for Richmond was senior four-year golfer Ayden Mabe, who posted a 45 (+9).
The Raiders’ other two qualifying scores were courtesy of senior first-year golfer Walker Lambeth (55) and freshman James Pack (62).
“We battled through a cold, blustery day in our first match,” Parsons said. “Great to have Kevin lead us as a ninth grader; he stayed steady throughout his round and kept his ball in play very well. I know he felt his score could have been even lower if a couple of putts had gone his way.
“Ayden battled all day and managed his game well. He wasn’t happy with his play off the tee, which actually is one of his strengths, so I expect him to be even better next time.
“Walker and James rounded out our lineup and both had great moments in the first match of their careers. I can’t wait to see their improvement as the season continues.”
Pinecrest’s Iszac Bertagnole and Hudson Griffin led the field with a 35 (-1) on the day.
The Raiders will return to play next Monday at their home course Foxfire. The nine-hole match will begin at 3 p.m.
