Hello Newman!

When Challenger K-8 takes the course, there are usually few surprises.

The Navigators, defending county champions, haven't lost a regular-season match going on three seasons and it doesn't look like that will change anytime soon.

They improved to 4-0 on the year Wednesday at Silverthorn Country Club, beating first-year Explorer K-8, 174-243.

But the match did produce something a little out of the ordinary for the 'Gators. For once, eighth-grader Megan Berube didn't pace the field, despite a respectable round of 41.

Instead top honors went to teammate Derek Newman, an eighth-grader and third-year golfer who posted a personal best of 40 on the 2,654-yard front nine.

"I played good I guess," said Newman, whose previous low was 43. "I really just went out there and tried my best. I made some key putts. It really hasn't sunk in yet."

"Derek has worked very hard over the last three years to get to where he's at," Challenger Head Coach Richard Gomez said. "I've watched him grow as a golfer and a young man. He has a bright future ahead of him in golf."

Berube actually came away disappointed with her round. The previous week against Parrott she shot a 1-under 35 on this same course.

"Terrible," Berube said. "I shot 35 last week. I know I can't always shoot in the 30s but I got myself out of hand. I shanked a lot today. I don't know why. After one (her first hole) I started thinking about it again and again."

Jacob Arnett added a 46 and Chase Muscianese a 47 to round out Challenger's scoring. Rich Wilkes (48) and Kae Elliot (51) had the next best scores for the match, but didn't count toward the team score.

"I'm very happy with their etiquette and their level of sportsmanship, which is ultimately the main reason why we're out here," Gomez said.

"...There's always room for improvement. It's always the little things and attention to detail that makes a difference between winners and champions."

Stephanie Rodney led Explorer (1-2) with a 53, followed by Avery Kemp (58), Nick Persico (64) and Emma Betters (68). Also for the Bobcats, Jonathan Daer shot 71 and Joshua Carr 77.

"It is continuing to be a learning experience for us," Explorer Head Coach Jason Yungmann said. "The kids are working very hard. They're still learning every game that goes by. Each game they're becoming better players and becoming more understanding of the game."

CHALLENGER 174, EXPLORER 243

Challenger (174): Derek Newman 40, Megan Berube 41, Jacob Arnett 46, Chase Muscianese 47, Rich Wilkes 48, Kae Elliot 51.

Explorer (243): Stephanie Rodney 53, Avery Kemp 58, Nick Persico 64, Emma Betters 68, Jonathan Daer 71, Joshua Carr 77.

Records: Challenger (4-0), Explorer (1-2).