Toenjes, McConnell lead Bulldog golfers in opener

CLARKSTON — Freshman Max Toenjes wasted little time making his presence known on the Sandpoint golf team, carding an 86 to lead the Bulldogs Monday in season opening golf action at the Clarkston Invitational.

Senior David Currie was right behind at 88 for the Bulldogs, whose team score of 374 was nearly 50 strokes better than last year’s opening team score, a sign of good things to come.

“Max was our all-star. He’s a freshman and I expect big things out of him,” said Bulldogs head coach Tom Tharp, happy to get his team some real golf for the first time all year. “It was a rainy, windy, cold day. I’m really proud of the guys.”

Freshman Dylan Dufenhorst shot 95, Noah Faude 105, Lewis Dunton 109 and Tyson Bird 119 for the Bulldog boys, who played without senior Jared Presnell, one of their top players.

Katelynn McConnell shot a career-low 103 to lead the Bulldog girls, another strong omen to start the season. Sage Martin shot 126, Nina McConnell 129, Caroline Hawkins 138 and Ellie Faulkner-Monks a 151 for a team score of 496.

Colton Gable shot a 78 to lead the boys field while Allison Duffin shot 83 to top the girls, as Coeur d’Alene swept medalist honors.

The Bulldogs travel south again next Monday for the Lewiston Invitational. See the Daily Bee later this week for a season preview.