Varsity Golf: Ludington claims Shelby Invitational title; MCC’s Sterley scores 92

LHS won first place. Contributed photo.

MCP/OCP Sports Coverage is presented by: Baker Ford Ludington, Fresh Coast Foam, Mission Graphics, Quick-Way, Inc., Smith & Eddy Insurance and Michelle and Andrew Thomas.

SHELBY — Ludington and Mason County Central opened the Shelby Invitational on opposite ends of the leaderboard Monday at Oceana Golf Club, with the Orioles claiming the team title at 315 while the Spartans gained early-season experience in a 12th-place finish at 415.

Ludington was paced by Alec Rodenbeck, who earned medalist honors with a 1-under-par 71, a personal best and an early-season statement. The Orioles finished ahead of runner-up Shelby (332) and Fremont (337).

“We were in action again today at the Shelby Invite at Oceana Golf Club. The boys really came prepared to play,” Ludington coach Sebastian Alvarado said. “Alec Rodenbeck continued his successful start to the season firing a personal best one under 71.”

Ludington’s depth was evident throughout the lineup. Freshman Channing Miller carded a 79 to finish sixth overall, while Finn Flanery shot 80 and tied for seventh. Both earned medals alongside Rodenbeck. Asher Forfinski added an 85 in his season debut, and Andrew Bousson and Ryan Higley each posted 89.

Alvarado said the team’s ability to adjust to difficult conditions made the difference.

“We are all excited for the spring weather to improve, but the guys are handling it well,” he said. “Playing in the wet and cold always slows events down, and that is one of the hardest adjustments for players to make. Today’s scoring shows how quickly this team learned to make that adjustment compared to Saturday.”

Mason County Central was led by Lane Sterley with a 92, followed by Grayden Etchison (104), Bode Etchison (105), Cole VanderHaag (114), Gannon Hansen (132) and Gavin Cory (148).

“This was our first match of the season, and for several of our guys it was their first golf match ever, so all in all, not too bad,” MCC coach Tim Genson said. “For a freshman in his first match, I thought Lane’s 92 was very good. I expect us to improve as a team all season.”

Ludington will look to build on its early success as the season progresses, while Mason County Central aims to gain experience and lower scores in upcoming matches.

The Orioles opened the season Saturday at the Lakeview Invitational at Brookside Golf Club in Gowen, where challenging weather conditions played a significant role. Despite cold temperatures and soggy conditions following heavy spring rains, Ludington finished second with a team score of 342, behind Greenville’s 324.

As a team, Ludington battled closely with Greenville before the Yellow Jackets pulled away late. Rodenbeck again led the Orioles with a 76, earning medalist honors by three strokes. Finn Flanery added an 85, while Andrew Bousson (89) and Channing Miller (92) each made their varsity debuts. Ryan Higley also shot 92, and Nate Traeger rounded out the lineup with a 96.

It marked a solid start to the season for Ludington as it continues early competition.