After three tournaments in Montrose and Grand Junction, the Panthers were welcomed home Wednesday at Conquistador Golf Course.
The Montezuma-Cortez High School Invitational brought in seven other teams from across the Western Slope for 18-holes under the Cortez morning sun.
The Panthers shot a team record to win the tournament last year. Although they didnt match that effort, M-CHS defended the home course once again for its first tournament win of the season.
For us here, we know the course. As good as we are, we should take care of home course at our tournament, Panthers coach Micah Rudosky said.
M-CHS finished second-place twice in Montrose, so it was vital to come out on top Wednesday as the season really progresses.
I think it was important that we got our first tournament win at our home course, said tournament champion medalist Jakob Rudosky, who shot a 73. Now I think some of the teams will respect us more. It feels good to win.
The sophomore recorded his second tournament win of the season. The top three scores from each team are added for the team total. No. 2 freshman Hayden Plewe shot 78, and No. 3 senior Chris Aiken shot 77 for a team score of 228. Other Panthers scores were No. 4 junior Keith Hawkins, 85; and, No. 5 freshman Ryan Aiken, 102.
M-CHS has a good start this season in defense of its Western Slope League crown, but the boys think they can improve.
I think I could have played a little bit better. I made a double bogey. A few little mistakes, but I think we did pretty good, Jakob Rudosky said. We could win state as a team if we just get one, two and three good scores in. We can go do good at state just like last year.
Jakob Rudoskys dad and coach feels the team hasnt hit its full stride yet, either.
Were having some good scores with Jakob, with Hayden. Chris, hes right there. But we havent really played to, I think, our potential, Micah Rudosky said. When we do, we might be a few over par, but thats about it. Im hoping this year we get to 3-over or better. We have the potential to do that as a team.
Rivals Durango and Montrose were second and third as teams with 231 and 233 points respectively. Other teams finishes were Gunnison, 239; Grand Junction Central, 248; Delta, 251; Pagosa Springs, 299; and, Telluride, 329.
The Panthers didnt have much time to savor their win, as they bused to Pagosa Springs Golf Course on Thursday. This time, the Demons outlasted M-CHS as Durango won the tournament with 232 points to the Panthers second-place 237.
However, Chris Aiken had his first breakout performance of the season and shot a tourney best 74 for the individual championship.
Chris played great. He played really intelligent, smart draws and showed his experience, assistant coach Todd Plewe said.
Other scores for M-CHS were Jakob Rudosky, 81; Hawkins, 82; and, Hayden Plewe, 83.
Next up for the Panthers will be the Devils Thumb Golf Club tournament in Delta on Thursday at 9 a.m. followed by the Cobble Creek Golf Course Invitational in Montrose on Friday at 9 a.m.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.