Rowland Shoots 76 to Lead Young Alleghany Golf Team at Homestead

BATH COUNTY, Va. (VR) – Alleghany finished eighth Monday in a nine-team Shenandoah District varsity golf match at the Homestead, with freshman Jagger Rowland leading the Cougars with a 76.

Waynesboro won the team competition with a 309, followed by Fort Defiance at 328 and Rockbridge County at 341. Buffalo Gap finished fourth at 345, Wilson Memorial fifth at 349, Staunton sixth at 350, Riverheads seventh at 358, Alleghany eighth at 365 and Stuarts Draft ninth at 380.

Rowland’s 76 placed him second individually, just three strokes behind Waynesboro’s Jack Blaylock, who shot a 73. Waynesboro’s Berkeley Gibb also shot 76, while Fort Defiance’s Carter Bird and Stuarts Draft’s Colton Parkulo each finished with 78.

Five golfers broke 80 on the par-72 Old Course at the Homestead.

For Alleghany, senior Gavin Randozzo finished with an 85. Freshman Sawyer Knighton shot 101 in his first varsity match, while junior Sophie Knighton posted a 103 in her first varsity competition. Junior Jaxon Deem finished at 108, and junior Elin Herd shot 124 in her first varsity match.

Monday’s match was Alleghany’s fifth varsity competition of the season, with the schedule consisting of three 18-hole matches and two nine-hole matches.

The Cougars have used 10 golfers during the season, with seven making their first varsity appearance this year. The young roster has given Alleghany valuable experience while also building a foundation for the program’s coming seasons.

Alleghany returns to action Tuesday at Cliff View for a nine-hole match against Bath County. Tee time is scheduled for 4 p.m.