Published: June 09, 2009 12:20 am      

Peru golfers win Western Sectional

Maconaquah’s Dexter also advances to Lafayette Regional

KOKOMO — The Peru boys golf team captured its second IHSAA Western Sectional championship in as many years at the par-73 Chippendale Golf Club here Monday, the Tigers’ third sectional title in four years.

Peru totaled 333 strokes on the windy afternoon, with Northwestern (335) second and Western (348) third.

Western’s score is the highest score from this sectional in more than a decade to advance to the Lafayette Jeff Regional, which is Friday at Battle Ground.

The Bengals were led by senior Ethan Eckelbarger, who was third overall with an 80. Smith brothers Terry, Taylor and Travis rounded out the scoring with an 82, 84 and 87.

“It wasn’t an easy win,” said Peru coach Doug Muzzillo. “Give Northwestern and Western a lot of credit for battling from an earlier position and setting a number. We almost didn’t beat it.”

Northwestern sophomore Ben-Marvin Egel was medalist with a 73. Tyler Keith (78) of Oak Hill was runner-up.

Maconaquah finished ninth with a 380 but did advance Brennan Dexter as an individual with an 86. North Miami (396) was 10th, led by Chandler Alwine, who also advanced with his 83.

Friday’s regional begins at 8 a.m.