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Home Course Helps Golf Team Prevail

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By DAREK SHARP, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 6, 2007

PLANT CITY - The golfers had something to do with it, but the course helped, too.

Plant City defeated Durant on Monday, making up for a loss earlier in the season. Raiders boys head coach Gary Brady has no doubt that playing at Walden Lake made the difference.

'Other teams just don't score as well here, and that match was an example,' Brady said. 'The course looks harmless, but at the end of the day it's really hard to shoot low here.'

What's better for the Raiders: The district tournament is at Walden Lake.

That gives Plant City hope of advancing in the golf postseason, but in addition the Raiders are playing well. The victory over Durant, 177-185, gave the Raiders their 10th win in 11 matches.

Brady said the team has relied on one of the squad's three freshmen - Richard Elwell, Nick Jones and Blake Sparkman - to come up with a strong fourth score. Elwell shot a 40 recently to pace a victory at Rogers Park. Jones had a 44 against East Bay.

Cody Lusk has taken over the team's scoring lead from Kyle Martin, lowering his nine-hole average to about 40.

'Cody's been playing really solid for us all year,' Brady said. 'He's a senior, and he's just been very consistent.'

Plant City finishes the regular season with a tri-match Tuesday against Brandon and Tampa Bay Tech, followed by a visit from Tampa Catholic on Thursday.

The District 2A-11 girls tournament is at Walden Lake, and Durant appears to be a favorite to advance to regionals. The Cougars improved to 8-1 Monday by topping the Raiders 182-202.

Amy West shot a sizzling two-under par 34 and freshman Erika Wardzinsky fired a 38.

The girls districts are set for Oct. 15 with the boys to play a day later.

Reporter Darek Sharp can be reached at dsharp@tampa trib.com.

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