St. Marys’ Kenzie Armstrong chips onto the green during the LKC Scramble earlier this season at North Bend Golf Course. (Photo by Kerry Patrick)

PARKERSBURG — Throughout the state where conditions were less than ideal, the St. Marys four turned in a team score worthy of a state title.

Now the Blue Devils are on a level playing field entering the Class A state golf tournament Tuesday and Wednesday on the Jones Course at Oglebay in Wheeling and the Blue Devils have to prove themselves once more over 36 holes.

“Our team is very capable of winning,” said St. Marys golf coach Catie Wells, who has led the Blue Devils to six straight regional titles. “We know the other teams and it’s going to be strong competition.”

St. Marys practically lapped the field during last Monday’s Region I meet at Mingo Bottom Golf Course in Elizabeth when medalist Preston Lawhon, Trent Renner and Kenzie Armstrong turned in scores of 71, 72 and 73, respectively, despite periods of downpours, balls plugging into the fairway and slow rolling greens.

Tripp Morrison rounds out of the St. Marys foursome.

“The kids are having so much fun this season,” Wells said. “When someone hits an exciting shot, they are cheering them on and so happy for each other.

“These golfers are striking the best they have all year. Last week, it was all about adapting to conditions. When we go to Oglebay, conditions will be a lot different. I know they will be able to adapt. I feel very optimistic.”

St. Marys is one of four teams from the Mid-Ohio Valley competing as part of the eight-team field in Class A. Tyler Consolidated placed runner-up behind St. Marys at regionals. Gilmer County and Ravenswood also qualified.

Two area individuals also qualified as members not part of a qualifying team – Wirt County’s Alex Bevel and Parkersburg Catholic’s Daniel Lewis.

“Technically, Daniel was my No. 3 golfer but we lost our No. 2, who has been in a walking boot,” PCHS coach Mike Atkinson said. “Daniel has been playing better as the season has progressed. At state, there is no pressure on him. He can just go out and try to get his best scores.”

In Class AAA, Parkersburg and Parkersburg South competed last Tuesday in the Huntington region – better know as the region of death. Neither team qualified for state, but South will send one representative in Cameron Fallon, who tied Cabell Midland’s Jack Michael for medalist honors after shooting a 73.

Williamstown, meanwhile, sent shockwaves throughout Class AA last week after winning Region I at Moundsville Country Club. Defending state champ Wheeling Central placed runner-up.

The Yellowjackets, whose most recent regional title occurred in 2018, were led by Toby Thompson (81), Wyatt Siley (87) and Madilyn Buttrey (89). Hunter Haddox was the fourth member. Ripley also advanced in Class AA.

“Our region was like a mini-state,” Williamstown coach Wyatt Siley said last week. “At state, we would have to knock off Wheeling Central on their home course. If our kids shoot consistently, we would be in the conversation.”