Contributed by head coach Bobby Olmsted.

The Vikings recently played two matches against their good friends from across the pond, the Lopez Island Lobos.

We always enjoy playing Lopez; we just wish we could do it more often. Over the years it has turned into a great match. It is lots of fun and we look forward to it every year.

Match one: March 31

The team finally got a sunny day to play in as Orcas won the first match.

Miles McCloskey was the medalist for Orcas Island, with a low score of 42, followed by Christopher Ghazel with a 43. Tommy Granger and Graye Parnell each scored well in the mid fifties, along with Chase Drake.

The lady Vikings scored well also, with Jessica Gudgell shooting a 55, followed by Courtney Ray with a 57. New players Brynna Gregg and Kelsey Whitaker are showing great improvement, and everyone’s hard work is starting to show results.

Match two: April 7

It was sunshine once again as the Vikings traveled to Lopez for another match with the strong Lopez golf team.

The boys did not fare as well this time, as they lost 275-299, with McCloskey earning the low score for Orcas with a 47. Parnell and Granger both shot a 56; Drake shot a 60; and new player Zach Kostechko, playing his first match, shot an 80.

This is a new team, and most had never played at Lopez Country Club. We did not get the chance to play here last year and that match was missed by all.

The girls lost a very close match, 184-198, led by Jessica Gudgell with a 55. She was followed by Gregg with a 71, Ray with a 72, Crow with a 73 and Whitaker with an 84.

The new players on this team are  getting better and better as the weeks move along. Their scores are starting to drop and they are giving the veteran players some friendly competition.

We are not yet where we want to be as a team; there are not many weeks left in golf and we still have lots of matches to play. We all really need to step it up and focus a bit more and we will be fine. There is lots of work to do, and they are up for the challenge. It will be fun to watch the rest of the season.

I’d like to thank head coach Richard Tetu and his wife Debbie for their hospitality and kindness, from the coaching staff to the players. The Vikings would like to express our thanks for two great matches and wish the Lobos from Lopez great success over the rest of the season.