Eftink in contention at state golf tourney, while Raiders, Chargers look to climb leaderboard

Quincy Notre Dame junior golfer Beau Eftink chips out of the bunker during the first round of the Class 1A state tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill. | Samantha Carmean photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Beau Eftink’s state title pursuit and the Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team’s trophy dash both will need a charge Saturday. Eftink, the QND junior who finished second individually a year ago, finds himself tied for fifth in the Class 1A state tournament following Friday’s opening round at Prairie Vista Golf Course.…

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Youthful area golfers set to embrace opportunity state tournament play provides

Quincy Notre Dame sophomore Olliver Hendrian will be making his second state tournament appearance when the Raiders tee it up Friday in the Class 1A event at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill.

QUINCY — Why wait to be great? Throughout the prep golf season, with the Quincy Notre Dame and Illini West boys golf teams battling for supremacy and the QND girls team consistently showcasing its depth, comments regarding each team’s youthful lineup focused on the future instead of the present. One of the more common refrains…

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Hendrian’s early birdies kickstart sectional title pursuit as Raiders, Chargers punch tickets to state

Quincy Notre Dame's Olliver Hendrian chips onto the 13th green at Spring Lake Country Club to set up a birdie during Monday's Class 1A sectional. Hendrian shot a 2-under 70 to earn medalist honors and lead the Raiders to a state berth. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Olliver Hendrian never expected his tee shot on the par-3 second hole at Spring Lake Country Club to wind up 15 or so yards behind the green. “Apparently I have too much muscle,” the Quincy Notre Dame sophomore golfer said with a sarcastic sideways grin. “I have to stop going to the gym.”…

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Blue Devils’ Novosel grinds out state tournament berth after shooting 2-over 74 at sectional

Quincy High School sophomore Ty Novosel shot a 2-over 74 at Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur, Ill., during Monday's Class 3A sectional to qualify for the state tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

DECATUR, Ill. — Ty Novosel held on. Even par through the first 14 holes Monday in the Class 3A Decatur Sectional at Hickory Point Golf Course, the Quincy High School sophomore boys golfer made bogey on two of his final four holes, but he was steady enough to finish tied for seventh individually at 2-over…

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Photo gallery: Scenes from Class 1A boys golf sectional at Spring Lake Country Club

Quincy Notre Dame sophomore Grant Lepper chips out of the sand trap on the par-3 11th hole at Spring Lake Country Club during Monday's Class 1A sectional. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads of prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team took advantage of playing at home. The Raiders had four players shoot 77 or better Monday at Spring Lake Country Club, leading to a 296 total and the championship…

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Charging forward: Illini West regains regional crown, beats QND by 14 strokes at Deer Run

Illini West freshman Nolan Murphy chips onto the 14th green during Wednesday's Class 1A regional at Deer Run Golf Course in Hamilton, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

HAMILTON, Ill. — The Illini West boys golf team won three consecutive Class 1A regional championships from 2020 to 2022, only to have Quincy Notre Dame throw up a roadblock with a 23-stroke victory last fall. That made winning Wednesday’s Class 1A Hamilton Regional at Deer Run Golf Course extra satisfying. “It’s definitely a big…

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Blue Devils send two golfers to Class 3A sectional, while Bombers push three to Class 2A sectional

Quincy High School junior Hunter St. Clair shot an even-par 72 during Wednesday's Class 3A Collinsville Regional at Arlington Greens Golf Course in Granite City, Ill., and will advance to Monday's sectional in Decatur. | Matt Schuckman photo

GRANITE CITY, Ill. — Hunter St. Clair stayed steady. Ty Novosel stayed aggressive. It paid off for both. The Quincy High School golfers earned individual spots in the Class 3A sectional by finishing in the top 20 during Wednesday’s Class 3A Collinsville Regional at Arlington Greens Golf Course. The top three teams — Chatham Glenwood…

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Photo gallery: Scenes from Class 1A boys regional at Hamilton’s Deer Run Golf Course

Quincy Notre Dame junior golfer Beau Eftink watches his putt from the front of the green roll toward the hole on the 18th hole of Wednesday's Class 1A regional at Deer Run Golf Course in Hamilton, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. HAMILTON, Ill. — The youthful Illini West boys golf team showed age doesn’t matter as a pair of freshmen finished in the top four individually — senior Nick Bruns was sandwiched in between — in guiding the Chargers…

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Eftink, Raiders gear up for regionals by winning final tournament of regular season

Quincy Notre Dame junior Beau Eftink won the individual title Saturday in the Galesburg Invitational at Bunker Links Golf Course in Galesburg, Ill. | Submitted photo

GALESBURG, Ill. — Beau Eftink is in championship mode. His teammates are too. With the Class 1A boys golf postseason set to begin Tuesday, the Quincy Notre Dame junior carries the momentum of back-to-back tournament championships with him after completing a weekend sweep Saturday in the Galesburg INvitational at Bunker Links Golf Course. Eftink won…

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QND boys golf team uses complete effort to secure West Central Conference title

The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team posted a 293 team total Wednesday at Scripps Park Golf Course in Rushville, Ill., to win the West Central Conference championship. | Submitted photo

RUSHVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team is primed to start its state championship pursuit. The Raiders have two regular-season tournaments remaining — Friday at the Normal U-High Invitational and Saturday at the Galesburg Invitational — but Wednesday’s performance at the West Central Conference championships at Scripps Park Golf Course was indicative…

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Blue Devils’ Novosel, St. Clair earn all-conference honors with top-eight finishes at WB6 golf meet

Quincy High School's Ty Novosel, fourth from right, finished fifth and QHS teammate Hunter St. Clair, second from right, was sixth at the Western Big 6 Conference boys golf championships Monday in Moline, Ill. | Submitted photo

MOLINE, Ill. — A pair of Quincy High School golfers earned All-Western Big 6 Conference honors Monday, while the Moline boys golf team continued its recent run of dominance in the WB6 championships. Moline won the team title with a 292, capturing its third consecutive team title. Quincy owns the WB6 record with six consecutive…

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Photo gallery: QND, QHS golfers wrap up Ryder Cup at Spring Lake Country Club

Quincy High School's Hunter St. Clair tees off during Wednesday's play in the Quincy Ryder Cup against Quincy Notre Dame at Spring Lake Country Club. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team finished off a dominant effort in the annual Ryder Cup matches with Quincy High School, sweeping Wednesday’s action at Spring Lake Country Club for a 10-2 victory. Muddy River…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, Sept. 17

Sweep keeps Blue Devils undefeated in WB6 play GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy High School volleyball team stayed undefeated in Western Big 6 Conference play Tuesday night with a sweep of Galesburg, winning 25-18, 25-18 at Thiel Gym. The Blue Devils are 9-2 overall and 5-0 in the WB6 ahead of Thursday’s showdown with Moline…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND boys golf teams engage in first leg of annual Ryder Cup matchup

The Quincy Notre Dame and Quincy High School boys golf teams squared off in a Ryder Cup-style format Monday at Quincy Country Club. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team took a two-point lead after the first leg of the annual Ryder Cup matchup with Quincy HIgh School following Monday’s nine-hole matches at Quincy Country Club. The second leg…

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Scoreboard for Saturday, August 31: Bombers, Chargers win titles, Wildcats improve to 3-0

The Macomb volleyball team won five consecutive matches Saturday in straight sets to capture the title of its own tournament at Brophy Hall in Macomb, Ill. | Photo courtesy Macomb High School

Bombers sweep way to championship MACOMB, Ill. — The Macomb volleyball team rolled to the championship of its own tournament, capturing five consecutive matches in straight sets. The Bombers went 3-0 in pool play, beating Monmouth United 26-24, 25-14, Geneseo 25-16, 25-19 and Kewanee Wethersfield 25-11, 25-21. In the semifinals, Macomb beat Bartonville Limestone 25-23,…

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Beau knows: QND junior golfer wins playoff for medalist at Quincy Invitational, guides Raiders to second-place team finish

Quincy Notre Dame junior golfer Beau Eftink sizes up his birdie putt on the playoff hole Saturday at the 75th Quincy Invitational at Westview Golf Course. Eftink made the putt to win the playoff and individual medalist honors. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Cam Appenzeller had been there before. A couple hours earlier in fact. The Chatham Glenwood left-handed golfer pulled his tee shot on the par-4 18th at Westview Golf Course — the first hole in a three-way playoff Saturday for individual medalist of the 75th Quincy Invitational — and ended up just off the…

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St. Clair setting example of perseverance and drive for QHS golf teammates to follow

Quincy High School junior Hunter St. Clair shot a 1-over 36 on the back nine at Westview Golf Course on Saturday to finish in the top 10 at the 75th Quincy Invitational. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Hunter St. Clair sees his game improving daily. He wants his younger teammates to see that as well and follow suit. The Quincy High School junior golfer played the back nine Saturday in 1-over 36 and closed his round of 4-over 75 with a birdie on the par-4 18th hole to secure a…

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Photo gallery: Golfers try to tame Westview Golf Course during 75th Quincy Invitational

Quincy Notre Dame's Beau Eftink, right, talks with Raiders coach Brian Hendrian as they walk the 18th fairway during a three-way playoff for individual medalist honors Saturday in the 75th Quincy Invitational at Westview Golf Course. | Matt Schuckman photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photo,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — It took breaking 80 on a windy, humid Saturday at Westview Golf Course to crack the top 20 in the 75th Quincy Invitational. It took flirting with breaking par to be at the top. Solid ball…

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Area scoreboard for Saturday, August 24

Chargers take second at Gary Saunders Invitational MACOMB, Ill. — The Illini West boys golf team continues to show it can play with the best Class 1A programs in the state. The Chargers took second Saturday in the 50th Gary Saunders Invitational at Macomb Country Club, posting a 326 team total. Port Byron Riverdale won…

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Scoreboard for Saturday, August 17

The Illini West boys golf team won the team title Saturday at the Pittsfield Invitational played at Old Orchard Country Club in Pittsfield, Ill. | Photo courtesy Illini West golf

Chargers win Pittsfield Invitational PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Illini West boys golf team won the Pittsfield Invitational on Saturday by shooting a 325 at Old Orchard Country Club. Pittsfield took second with a 327. Rushville-Industry was third at 332. Chargers senior Nick Bruns finished second individually with a 76, while freshman Bryson Grotts took sixth…

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Young guns: Underclassmen lead pack during season-opening D.A. Weibring Invitational

Pittsfield sophomore Isaac McGlauchlen, right, chats with Saukees coach Jack Palmer while waiting on a teebox during Thursday's D.A. Weibring Invitational at Westview Golf Course. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If the scores from Thursday’s season-opening D.A. Weibring Invitational are any indication, the area boys golf scene is going to be highly competitive for years to come. Three sophomores and a freshman claimed four of the top five individual spots and a pair of freshmen posted scores that helped Illini West capture the…

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Photo gallery: Golfers open season in D.A. Weibring Invitational at Westview Golf Course

Quincy Notre Dame freshman Keeden Orpet-Hulett chips from the greenside bunker on No. 2 at Westview Golf Course during Thursday's season-opening D.A. Weibring Invitational. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The flag officially dropped Thursday on the start of the high school sports season. The traditional boys golf lidlifter — the D.A. Weibring Invitational — took place at Westview Golf Course with Illini West winning the team title with a 322 total and Pittsfield sophomore Isaac McGlauchlen taking individual medalist honors with an…

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Birdie on final hole gives Hannibal’s Thomas his second Class 4 state championship

Hannibal senior golfer Quinn Thomas stands with his Class 4 individual state championship medal following Tuesday's round of even-par 72 at Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, Mo. | Photo courtesy Joe Thomas

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The swing, the contact and the carry were absolutely perfect. “I felt like it was something out of a movie,” Quinn Thomas said. An ending straight out of Hollywood came with it. Heading to the final hole of the Class 4 boys state golf championships at Dalhousie Golf Club on Tuesday…

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Canton’s Biggerstaff finishes third at Class 1 state golf tourney for second consecutive year

Canton's Trevor Biggerstaff finished third at the Class 1 boys state golf championships at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club in Joplin, Mo. | Submitted photo

JOPLIN, Mo. — Trevor Biggerstaff has created a legacy for future Canton golfers to follow. The senior earned his second state medal Tuesday, finishing third at the Class 1 boys state golf championships at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club. Biggerstaff carded a 156 total, tying with Sacred Heart’s Luke Jenkins. Biggerstaff, who also finished…

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Top-10 finishes from Janes, Kroeger help Palmyra boys finish third at Class 2 state golf tourney

The Palmyra boys golf team finished third at the Class 2 state championships at Paradise Pointe Golf Complex in Smithville, Mo. | Submitted photo

SMITHVILLE, Mo. — Jonas Janes and his Palmyra boys golf teammates brought home a state trophy for the fourth time in program history. It just wasn’t the biggest prize out there. Palmyra led the field at the Class 2 state championships by eight strokes following Monday’s opening round at the Paradise Pointe Golf Complex, but…

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Hannibal’s Thomas gives himself chance for bookend state golf titles with steady play

Hannibal's Quinn Thomas tees off during Monday's opening round of the Class 4 state golf championships at Dalhousie Golf Club in Cape Girardeau, Mo. | Photo courtesy Hannibal athletics

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Quinn Thomas’ day could have gone sideways from the start. The Hannibal senior golfer began Monday’s first round of the Class 4 state championships at Dalhousie Golf Club on the back nine and promptly took a double bogey on the par-4 10th hole. “I blocked one right into the water,” Thomas…

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Canton’s Biggerstaff in contention in Class 1 state golf championships

Canton's Trevor Biggerstaff is tied for fourth at the Class 1 boys state golf championships after posting a 4-over 76 Monday in Joplin, Mo. | Submitted photo

JOPLIN, Mo. — If Trevor Biggerstaff can mimic the way he played on the back nine Monday, the Canton senior will have a legitimate shot at a state championship. Biggerstaff shot a 2-under 34 on the back nine at Twin Hills Golf and Country Club in the opening round of the Class 1 state championships,…

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Palmyra takes second at district golf tourney, advances to Class 2 state tournament

The Palmyra boys golf team finished second at the Class 2 District 2 tournament at Norwoods Golf Course in Hannibal, Mo., and will play in the state tournament. | Submitted photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Palmyra boys golf team is headed to the Class 2 state tournament. The Panthers posted a 327 team score to finish second Monday in the Class 2 District 2 tournament at Norwoods Golf Club to qualify for the state tournament as a team, edging Centralia by one stroke. Hermann won the…

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Thomas, Pirates capture NCMC golf crowns and take good vibes into district tourney

The Hannibal boys golf team won the North Central Missouri Conference championship with a 322 team score Tuesday at Tanglewood Golf Course in Fulton, Mo. | Submitted photo

FULTON, Mo. — The Hannibal boys golf team tangled with Tanglewood and won. The Pirates had five golfers finish in the top 10 individually and posted a 322 team score to win the North Central Missouri Conference championship Tuesday at Tanglewood Golf Course. It marks back-to-back NCMC crowns for the Pirates. Senior Quinn Thomas won…

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Around the area: Canton wins golf invite, Saukees’ Simon tosses one-hitter, Blue Devils belt four homers

The Canton boys golf team won the Schuyler County Invitational on Wednesday in Lancaster, Mo. | Submitted photo

LANCASTER, Mo. — One day after playing in a hail storm, Trevor Biggerstaff and the Canton boys golf team enjoyed teeing it up under a sun-splashed sky. The Tigers’ play mirrored the weather. Biggerstaff earned individual medalist honors by shooting a 1-under 71 and Canton won the team title with a 328 total Wednesday in…

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Around the area: South Shelby golfers win invite, Liberty rallies, QND collects 17 hits, Lowe homers twice for Blue Devils

The South Shelby boys golf team posted a 310 team score to win its own invitational Wednesday at Lakeside Golf Course in Shelbine, Mo. | Submitted photo

SHELBINA, Mo — Jaaron Durbin and Noah Wilt took advantage of their home course knowledge and shared medalist honors Wednesday as the South Shelby boys golf team won its own invitational at Lakeside Golf Course. The Cardinals shot a 310, while Palmyra was second at 333 and Canton third at 344. Durbin and Wilt each…

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Vibing on Taylor Swift music allows Palmyra’s Janes to find rhythm to shoot career-best round

Palmyra's Jonas Janes rolls in a putt during Wednesday's Palmyra Invitational at Jackson Park Golf Course in Palmyra, Mo. Janes finished first individually with a career-best round of 6-under 64. | Photo courtesy Chris Duerr

PALMYRA, Mo. — All was quiet when Jonas Janes arrived at Jackson Park Golf Course about 90 minutes before Wednesday’s Palmyra Invitational was scheduled to start. “I was the only one there,” Janes said. “I put my AirPods in my ears and I was just vibing to Taylor Swift. I was just kind of in…

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QND’s Eftink joins select company with runner-up finish at Class 1A state golf tournament

Quincy Notre Dame sophomore Beau Eftink fired a 1-under 71 during Saturday's second round of the Class 1A state tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill., and finished as the state runner-up. | Photo courtesy Brian Hendrian

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Beau Eftink learned the value of patience through the agony of waiting Saturday afternoon. The Quincy Notre Dame sophomore golfer posted a 1-under 71 in the second round of the Class 1A state tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course and was the clubhouse leader at 1-over 145 when he finished his round.…

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Raiders rebound to finish sixth at state golf tourney, Chargers’ Bruns shoots 73

Brown County's Rioth Wort lines up a putt during the second round of the Class 1A state golf tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill. | Photo courtesy Greg Wort

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Saturday turned into a bounce-back day for the Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team and several area golfers. After tying for eighth and narrowly making the cut following the first round of the Class 1A state tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course, the Raiders shot the third lowest round of the day,…

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Whipping wind blows QND boys golf team’s chances off course in opening round at state

Quincy Notre Dame sophomore Beau Eftink fired a 2-over 74 and sits tied for fifth after the first round of the Class 1A state golf tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill. | Matt Schuckman file photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Quincy Notre Dame boys golf coach Brian Hendrian was monitoring the barrage of birdies coming from the first wave of golfers to hit Prairie Vista Golf Course on Friday morning when he received a text message. Michael Venvertloh’s father, Bruce, let Hendrian know his senior golfer had holed out for an eagle…

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Prairie State Profile: Payson’s Frese becomes program’s first golfer to reach state tournament

Payson Seymour senior golfer Aden Frese shot an 81 at the Class 1A Auburn Sectional to qualify for the state tournament this weekend at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

PAYSON, Ill. — Aden Frese positioned himself to make history. Then came the ninth hole at Edgewood Golf Course in Auburn, Ill., and suddenly, he felt like he was teetering on the edge. A wayward shot into the woods on his final hole of the Class 1A Auburn Sectional saddled the Payson Seymour senior golfer…

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Match-play mentality on back nine carries QND boys golf team to sectional championship

The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team poses for a team picture after winning the Class 1A Auburn Sectional title Monday at Edgewood Golf Course in Auburn, Ill. | Submitted photo

AUBURN, Ill. — As the Quincy Notre Dame boys golfers made the turn Monday, the situation seemed pretty cut and dry. Beat Bloomington Central Catholic head-to-head and win a sectional championship. Raiders coach Brian Hendrian didn’t shy away from telling his golfers that. “We went out there and played it like a Ryder Cup format…

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Blue Devils’ Gold fights into playoff, narrowly misses chance to make state tourney field

Quincy High School's Gabriel Gold shot a 79 during Monday's Class 3A Pekin Sectional at Lick Creek Golf Course in Pekin, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

PEKIN, Ill. — A tough three-hole stretch on his closing nine holes Monday put Quincy High School senior golfer Gabriel Gold in a precarious position. He was one of eight golfers who tied for 14th in Monday’s Class 3A Pekin Sectional at Lick Creek Golf Course, and only one was advancing to the state tournament…

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Beau knows: Up-and-down for par on No. 18 caps impressive regional round by QND sophomore

Quincy Notre Dame sophomore Beau Eftink sizes up his putt on the par-3 ninth hole Wedesday during the Class 1A QND Regional at Westview Golf Course. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The number of strokes Beau Eftink needed to get up and down from behind the 18th green was going to determine just how pleased he would be with his final score. The moment he hit his chip shot from above the green’s collar, the Quincy Notre Dame sophomore golfer felt a twinge of…

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Photo gallery: Westview Golf Course plays host to Class 1A Quincy Notre Dame boys regional

Quincy Notre Dame's Michael Venvertloh hits out of the bunker on the 10th hole at Westview Golf Course on Wednesday during the Class 1A QND Regional. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Beau Eftink went low, the Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team took advantage of playing on its home course and three teams that had been in the mix all season advanced to the Class 1A Auburn Sectional at Edgewood Golf Course. It turned out to be a remarkable day at Westview Golf Course.…

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Strong response to bogey-filled start carries Blue Devils’ Gold to top-three finish, sectional berth

Quincy High School's Gabriel Gold shot a 1-over 73 Wednesday during the Class 3A Edwardsville Regional at Belk Park Golf Course in Wood River, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

WOOD RIVER, Ill. — With things trending the wrong direction six holes into Wednesday’s Class 3A regional at Belk Park Golf Course, Gabriel Gold used a birdie to slingshot himself back into contention. The Quincy High School senior golfer birdied the 555-yard, par-5 16th hole — the Blue Devils started on Belk Park’s back nine…

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Bombers finish third at regional, advance to sectional for fifth consecutive season

MONMOUTH, Ill. — Make it five in a row for the Macomb boys golf team. The Bombers advanced to sectionals for the fifth straight season, taking third Wednesday at the Class 2A Monmouth-Roseville Regional at Gibson Woods Golf Course. Macomb posted a 329 total, four strokes better than fourth-place Galesburg. Jacksonville won the regional championship…

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Postseason primer: Tournament success preps area golfers for pursuit of state tourney bids

The Hannibal girls golf team won the North Central Missouri Conference championship, a perfect springboard into the postseason, which begins Oct. 6 with the district tournament in Wentzville, Mo. | Photo courtesy HHS golf

QUINCY — The postseason is nigh, and it could be an eventful one on the links. Here are five things to keep in mind as regional play for Illinois boys begins Wednesday and girls Thursday and district play for Missouri girls tees off next week: Minor success, major results for Pirates The growth of the…

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Prairie State Profile: Saukees’ Tomhave embraces traditions, bonds born from playing sports

Pittsfield senior Brennan Tomhave is a three-sports athlete who envisions himself as a physical therapist or working a similar job in the sports medicine field one day. | Matt Schuckman photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Brennan Tomhave is a Saukee through and through. It would be difficult not to be when you grow up sitting on the bench. Tomhave had a front-row seat to one of the best seasons in Pittsfield boys basketball history in 2011, riding the bus and hanging out in the locker room as…

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Good as Gold: QHS senior golfer shoots even par, helps Blue Devils finish third in own invitational

Quincy High School golfer Gabriel Gold hits his second shot on the par-4 13th hole at Westview Golf Course during Saturday's 74th annual Quincy Invitational. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The moment nearly turned out to be as good as Gold. It still could be transformative. Quincy High School senior golfer Gabriel Gold posted the score to beat at the 74th annual Quincy Invitational on Saturday at Westview Golf Course, birdieing his final two holes to shoot an even-par 71 and walking off…

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Photo gallery: QHS boys golfers’ third-place finish helps highlight 74th annual Quincy Invitational

Quincy High School's Sam Cory hits out of a bunker on the eighth hole at Westview Golf Course during Saturday's 74th annual Quincy Invitational. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Gabriel Gold’s birdie-birdie finish, Konnor Craven’s quality ball-striking, Ty Novosel’s debut and the Quincy High School boys golf team’s third-place finish highlighted the 74th annual Quincy Invitational, played Saturday at Westview Golf Course. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the day on the fairways and in the rough collecting images for this…

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Photo gallery: Chargers’ Bruns takes medalist honors, QND boys win Weibring Invitational

Illini West's Nick Bruns hits his second shot on the par-4 12th hole Thursday during the D.A. Weibring Invitational at Westview Golf Course. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The lid-lifter on the high school boys golf season took place Thursday at Westview Golf Course with a mix of what area coaches expected — quality shots, wayward bounces and the ups and downs associated with any round on the prep scene. Illini West senior Nick Bruns took medalist honors, shooting a 2-over…

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Mix of experience, talented newcomers sets QHS golfers on path back to regional success

Quincy High School senior golfer Gabriel Gold returns for his fourth season on the varsity. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As the Quincy High School boys golfers prepared Monday morning for their initial round of qualifying, Blue Devils coach Randy Mettemeyer reminded them they are no longer new kids on the block. “Especially for the seniors, I joked with them and told them, ‘Remember how nervous you were on your first tee shot…

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Three weeks of grind-it-out golf enables Quincy’s St. Clair to qualify for Gateway PGA Section junior tour championship

Quincy's Hunter St. Clair is competing this week in the Gateway PGA Section Junior Tour championship at Winghaven Country Club in O'Fallon, Mo. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The position Hunter St. Clair found himself in following his first event on the Gateway PGA Section Junior Tour didn’t suggest he’d be in the mix for the tour championship. The Quincy High School sophomore golfer emerged from an 18-hole event at Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton on July 7 with…

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Pirates’ Thomas finishes as district runner-up, will be joined at state tournament by freshman Locke

Hannibal freshman Kyle Locke, left, and junior Quinn Thomas qualified for the Class 4 boys state golf tournament after finishing in the top 17 individually Monday during the district tournament at the Golf Club of Wentzville. | Photo courtesy Hannibal golf program

WENTZVILLE, Mo. — Quinn Thomas said he struggled hitting his drive during Monday’s Class 4 District 2 tournament at the Golf Club of Wentzville. Yet, it was the driver that turned everything around. Opening his round on the par-4 10th hole, the Hannibal junior golfer bogey two of his first three holes as he hit…

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Thomas, Pirates rise to top in NCMC tournament, set stage to attack postseason

The Hannibal boys golfers celebrate their North Central Missouri Conference championship Tuesday at Kirksville Country Club. | Submitted photo

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Quinn Thomas and the Hannibal boys golf team geared up for the postseason by claiming the first of what they hope to be consecutive championships. Thomas fired a 4-over 75 at Kirksville Country Club on Tuesday to earn medalist honors and guide the Pirates to the team title at the North Central…

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QHS golfers push Birdies for Brain Cancer fundraiser beyond expectations, raise $29,000

Quincy Public Schools superintendent Todd Pettit, left, and Quincy High School principal Jody Steinke, right, presents the QPS Spirit and Pride Award to four QHS golfers — from left to right, Gabriel Gold, Sophia Gold, Saya Geisendorfer and Issa Geisendorfer — for organizing the Birdies for Brain Cancer fundraiser. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — The goal seemed modest and attainable, with the four Quincy High School golfers who organized the “Birdies for Brain Cancer” fundraiser believing they could raise $5,000. Yet, as the pledges began mounting, they changed their expectations. “We thought $8,000 would be a better goal,” Sophia Gold said. Little did they realize they could…

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Schuck on a Truck: Liberty golfer Blake Arnold discusses his season, family support and finishing his career at state tournament

LIBERTY, Ill. — A decorated high school golf career came to an end last Saturday when Liberty senior Blake Arnold finished tied for 13th at the Class 1A state tournament, and he finished it with a birdie on his final hole. In the process, Arnold became the highest individual state finisher in Liberty golf history.…

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Eagles’ Arnold, Chargers’ Deitrich close prep golf careers with strong finishes

Liberty's Blake Arnold, center, poses for a photo with the Illini West boys golf team after competing in the Class 1A state tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill. | Submitted photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Blake Arnold ended his high school golf career in fitting fashion. Nolan Deitrich did, too. Arnold, the Liberty senior, made a birdie on the par-4 18th hole Saturday at Prairie Vista Golf Course, putting a cap on a round of 7-over 79 that left him tied for 13th with a 156 total…

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New nine, new outlook: Chargers lock in after making turn, fight way into top eight at state golf

Illini West's Nick Bruns tees off during Friday’s round in the Class 1A state boys golf tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Wesley Robertson intended to hit his driver off the tee on the Prairie Vista Golf Course’s 367-yard, par-4 18th hole to wrap up his round Friday. When the Illini West freshman boys golfer learned a par was all he needed to help the Chargers live to play another day, Robertson went back…

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Torturous four-hole stretch keeps QND boys golf team from making cut at Class 2A state tourney

Quincy Notre Dame freshman Beau Eftink tees off at the start of Friday's round in the Class 2A state golf tournament at Weibring Golf Club in Normal, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

NORMAL, Ill. — Nine holes into the Class 2A state tournament, the Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team found itself in the thick of the chase. The Raiders’ top four golfers each posted a 4-over 39 playing holes 10-18, leaving them in fifth place in the 12-team field and in good position to make the…

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Schuckman: By keeping the faith and trusting his game, Thompson guides QND golfers back to state stage

Quincy Notre Dame senior golfer Ross Thompson posted the Raiders' lowest score in the regional and sectional, guiding the group back to the Class 2A state tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Golf can humble you. Infuriate you. Exasperate you. Baffle you. And if you let it, the game can break your spirit. Ross Thompson wouldn’t allow that to happen. A freshman when he made the six-man lineup in 2019 and was part of the Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team’s second-place state finish, Thompson…

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Charging forward: Illini West boys golf team qualifies for state tournament for first time

Illini West's Colby Robertson finished second individually at the Class 1A Illini Central Sectional, helping the Chargers reach the state tournament for the first time in program history as a team. | Matt Schuckman photo

MASON CITY, Ill. — Because the par-4 second hole at Country Hills Golf Course is nearly driveable, there was a slight lag in getting groups off the tee during the early portion of Monday’s Class 1A Illini Central Sectional. That enabled Illini West boys golf coach Christine Murphy and her husband, Shane, to check the…

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Strong closing nine enables QND boys golf to climb into top three, return to state tournament

The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team finished third at the Class 2A Bartonville Limestone Sectional on Monday and earned a spot in the state tournament field. | Submitted photo

BARTONVILLE, Ill. — The regional of death, as Quincy Notre Dame boys golf coach Brian Hendrian liked to call it, morphed into a sadistic sectional Monday at Coyote Creek Golf Course. Experience and depth led to the Raiders surviving both. But it wasn’t without some worry. “To be completely honest, when we made the turn,…

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‘Nail-biting scenario’: QND boys golf team sweats out tense finish, advances to Class 2A sectionals

Quincy Notre Dame senior Ross Thompson shot a 4-over 76 to help the Raiders finish third at Wednesday's Class 2A Maroa-Forsyth Regional and advance to sectionals. | Matt Schuckman file photo

FORSYTH, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys golfers realized circumstances seemed bleak. “We didn’t have a hot front nine,” senior Colin Larson said following Wednesday’s Class 2A Maroa-Forsyth Regional at Hickory Point Golf Course. “We definitely did not start off strong. On or about the 12th or 13th hole, we were four shots back…

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Watson’s strong finish helps Macomb boys golf team secure regional championship

The Macomb boys golf team won the Class 2A Macomb Regional championship Wednesday at Macomb Country Club with a 315 team score. | Submitted photo

MACOMB, Ill. — The electronic scoring system the Illinois High School Association uses for postseason golf puts the leaderboard at everyone’s fingertips. That makes it tempting to peek at where the field stands. “When you have to put the scores in on your phone, it’s hard to stay away and not hit the leaderboard button,”…

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Photo gallery: QHS’s Gold, Cory advance to sectional as Edwardsville wins regional title

Quincy High School junior Gabriel Gold tries to read a putt on the eighth green at Westview Golf Course during Wednesday's Class 3A Quincy Regional. | Matt Schuckman photos

QUINCY — Quincy High School junior Sam Cory played his final 10 holes in 2-over par, climbing the leaderboard of the Class 3A Quincy Regional at Westview Golf Course and securing one of 10 individual spots in next week’s sectional. QHS junior Gabriel Gold will be right there with him. Gold finished tied for 13th…

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Placing three golfers among top four individually powers Illini West to Class 1A regional title

The Illini West boys golf team won the Class 1A West Hancock Regional with a 345 team score. | Submitted photo

HAMILTON, Ill. — The nuances of Deer Run Golf Course made the Class 1A West Hancock Regional quite a challenge Wednesday. Nolan Deitrich and the Illini West boys golf team navigated it the best. Dietrich, a senior, birdied the par-3 18th hole to shoot an 81 and clip Liberty’s Blake Arnold by one stroke for…

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Golf roundup: QND boys use title at Galesburg as springboard into postseason

The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team placed five individuals in the top 10 and won the team title Saturday at the Silver Streaks Invitational at Galesburg, Ill. | Submitted photo

GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team is heading into the postseason on quite a roll. Three days after winning the West Central Conference championship with a 291 team total, the Raiders captured the title of Saturday’s Silver Streaks Invitational at Bunker Links by placing five individuals in the top 10 and…

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Home-course advantage: QND boys golf team navigates Westview with precision in winning WCC championship

Quincy Notre Dame senior Cole Willer shot a 1-under 70 on Wednesday at Westview Golf Course to earn individual medalist honors in the West Central Conference tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The weather-related damage to Arrowhead Heights Golf Course that forced the West Central Conference boys golf tournament to be moved to Westview Golf Course proved to be a boon for Quincy Notre Dame. It was an unfortunate circumstance for everyone else. The Raiders took advantage of playing their home course Wednesday, posting five…

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Photo gallery: West Central Conference boys golf tournament at Westview Golf Course

From left to right, Quincy Notre Dame's Konnor Craven, Liberty's Blake Arnold and Illini West's Nolan Deitrich walk up the 16th fairway during the West Central Conference boys golf tournament Wednesday at Westview Golf Course. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Take a look at the action from the West Central Conference boys golf tournament, held Wednesday afternoon at Westview Golf Course, through the camera lens of Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman:

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The Gold standard: QHS golfers ban together for birdie fundraiser to honor late father, help brain cancer patients

The Gold family — from left to right, Gabriel, Nicole, Sophia and Mark — is providing the inspiration for the Birdies for Brain Cancer fundraiser the Quincy High School boys and girls golf teams are conducting this fall. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — Naturally, Dr. Mark Gold felt inclined to help his son, Gabriel, with his biology homework. “It really didn’t work that well,” Gabriel said with a laugh. His dad’s interest was genuine and understandable. Mark Gold worked as a board certified neurosurgeon for more than 30 years, spending 18 years with the Quincy Medical…

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Macomb boys and girls sweep Prairieland Conference golf championships

The Macomb boys and girls golf teams swept the championships Monday at the Prairieland Conference tournaments at Macomb Country Club. | Submitted photo

MACOMB, Ill. — Make it a clean sweep for the Macomb golfers. The Bombers won both the boys and girls team titles as well as both individual championships Monday during the Prairieland Conference tournaments at Macomb Country Club. On the boys side, Macomb repeated as the Prairieland champion, putting five golfers in the top 10…

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JWCC Prairie State Profile: From golf course to broadcast booth, Macomb’s Keene remains focused on community impact

Macomb's Justice Keene watches his putt on the first hole at Spring Lake Country Club during a quadrangular event in Quincy. | Matt Schuckman photo

MACOMB, Ill. — Justice Keene always understood golf to be an individual sport. What he has come to embrace and relish is the team aspect of the game. When you’re playing alongside golfers you respect, trust and have a bonafide bond with, the team result becomes as important, if not more, than the individual score.…

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Golf roundup: Saukees win own invitational, Blue Devils third in loaded field, Bombers take second

The Pittsfield boys golf team captured the championship of the Pittsfield Invitational on Saturday at Old Orchard Country Club. | Submitted photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Pittsfield boys golf team took advantage of playing on its home course Saturday, posting three scores in the 80s to capture the team championship of the Pittsfield Invitational at Old Orchard Country Club. The Saukees shot a 345, followed by Illini West at 351 and Rushville-Industry at 381. Illini West’s Nolan…

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Craven leads QND boys golf team to victory in quadrangular at Spring Lake Country Club

Quincy High School's Andrew Keane hits his approach shot to the first green at Spring Lake Country Club during Saturday's quadrangular. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Blustery conditions beneath a bright sun turned Spring Lake Country Club’s 18-hole golf course into a challenging track Saturday afternoon. Quincy Notre Dame’s Konnor Craven posted his second straight solid round, shooting a 2-over 74 to earn medalist honors in a quadrangular in which only three golfers broke 80. The Raiders won the…

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Liberty’s Arnold tops field at season-opening D.A. Weibring Invitational

Liberty senior Blake Arnold follows his approach shot to the par-4 seventh hole during Thursday's D.A. Weibring Invitational at Westview Golf Course. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If Blake Arnold can replicate the back nine of his first event of the prep golf season, it could turn out to be a banner senior season. The Liberty golfer posted a 2-under 33 on the back nine Thursday at Westview Golf Course, allowing him to card an even-par 71 and earn individual…

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Pirates’ Thomas unable to avoid bogey train during second round at state tournament

Hannibal sophomore Quinn Thomas tracks his shot during the second day of the Class 4 boys state golf tournament at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield, Mo. Photo courtesy Cody Thorn

NEW BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — Quinn Thomas’ chance to keep himself in position for a four-peat as a state golf champion faded away Tuesday. The Hannibal sophomore, who was the defending Class 4 state titleist, struggled navigating the Meadow Lake Acres Country Club course as he shot an 11-over 83 in the final round of the…

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Pirates’ Thomas earns opportunity to defend state golf championship by surviving districts

Hannibal sophomore Quinn Thomas will compete in the Class 4 state tournament at Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield, Mo., after finishing sixth in the Districy 2 tournament Monday. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

WENTZVILLE, Mo. — Quinn Thomas gets the chance to defend his Class 4 individual golf state championship. The field he will have to topple to do so is going to be loaded. The Hannibal sophomore tied for sixth Monday in the Class 4 District 2 tournament at the Golf Club of Wentzville after shooting a…

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Prep scoreboard for Tuesday, April 19

Girls soccer At Flinn Stadium, Quincy Quincy High School 2, Geneseo 1. Click here for the story and photo gallery. At Canton, Mo. Canton 5, Keokuk 3: Macie Fisher and Emilee Gorrell each scored twice and Kielyn Ott added the other goal for the Tigers. Prep baseball At Concord, Ill. Brown County 14, Triopia 4:…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, April 12

Girls soccer At Sterling, Ill. Quincy High School 10, Sterling 0: The Blue Devils stayed undefeated in the Western Big 6 Conference with the whitewashing of the Golden Warriors. Bri Lannerd scored two goals and added three assists for the Blue Devils, while Taylor Routh had two goals and Rian Moore added three assists. Freshman…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, April 5

Quincy Notre Dame freshman midfielder Sage Stratton, center, and her teammates celebrate the first of her two goals in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Hannibal at Advance Physical Therapy Field. Matt Schuckman photo

Girls soccer At Advance Physical Therapy Field, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 2, Hannibal 0: Freshman midfielder Sage Stratton scored goals two minutes apart in the first half to extend the Raiders’ unbeaten streak to eight straight games. With 12:20 remaining in the first half, Stratton hit a shot from roughly 35 yards that carried over…

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Scoreboard for Monday, April 4

Girls soccer At Flinn Stadium, Quincy Quincy Notre Dame 1, Quincy High School 0. Click here for the story and photo gallery. At Mexico, Mo. Hannibal 8, Mexico 0: Katie Greening and Bella Falconer each had two goals and an assist as the Pirates earned a North Central Missouri Conference victory. Hannibal is 6-2 overall…

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Scoreboard for Monday, March 28

Prep baseball At Payson, Ill. Brown County 7, Payson Seymour 1: With two outs in the fifth inning, the Hornets had seven consecutive runners reach base and scored four runs to gain the upper hand. The Hornets’ Gabe Blakeley allowed four hits and one earned run over seven innings with seven strikeouts and one walk.…

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Scoreboard for Tuesday, March 22

Girls soccer At Moline, Ill. Quincy High School 3, Moline 0: The Blue Devils opened Western Big 6 Conference play with the shutout. Breighlyn Thomas scored two goals and Taylor Routh addad a goal. Rian Moore dishes out two assists, with Bri Lannerd setting up the other goal. Taylor Fohey earned the shutout in the…

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Scoreboard for Monday, March 21

Prep baseball At Pittsfield, Ill. Pittsfield 10, Carrollton 0: The Saukees’ Nate Scranton allowed four hits over six innings and earned his first victory of the season with the shutout. He struck out six. Pittsfield’s Caden Casto went 3 for 4 with a double, a triple and two RBIs, while Cole Walston went 2 for…

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Eagles’ Arnold attacks Prairie Vista course, sits tied for 10th after first round at state

Liberty's Blake Arnold watches his tee shot sail down the fairway during Friday’s opening round of the Class 1A state tournament at Prairie Vista Golf Course in Bloomington, Ill. PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The difference between where Blake Arnold is and where he’d like to be can be measured by the distance of the putts he missed. He knows it’s not as far as it seems. The Liberty junior had four birdie putts inside of 5 feet miss the mark, saddling him with a 3-over…

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Raiders defend WCC championship, while Eagles’ Arnold goes low to win individual crown

The Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team shot its second-lowest team score of the season with a 325 and defended its West Central Conference championship. Photo courtesy Kristina Thompson

QUINCY — The challenges the Quincy Notre Dame boys golf team’s lineup faced early in the season due to COVID-19 quarantines and procedures have finally passed. Now, the Raiders seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect time. Blake Arnold does, too. QND defended its West Central Conference championship, posting its second-best team score…

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Blue Devils successfully defend WB6 title with three golfers finishing in top six

From left to right, Quincy High School coach Randy Mettemeyer, Luke Chevalier, Luke Mettemeyer, Cameron Bergman, Brady Walker, Raulin Zanger and Gabriel Gold celebrate their Western Big 6 Conference championship. Submitted photo

MILAN, Ill. — Quincy High School boys golf coach Randy Mettemeyer knew the Blue Devils could take nothing for granted despite their history of success in the Western Big 6 Conference championships and their status as the defending champions. “We knew it wasn’t just show up and bring the trophy home,” Mettemeyer said. They had…

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