NEWPORT — The East Providence High School golf team, which saw its initial outing against Barrington last week postponed due to inclement weather, teed off its 2021 Eastern Division regular season schedule Tuesday, April 27, at Newport Country Club against host Rogers.

The Townies defeated the Vikings 203-227 over the par 36 front side of the historic shoreline layout on what was a sunny, wind swept afternoon.

EPHS junior Michael Wetmore was the day's medalist, carding a four-over 40 on six five pars and four bogeys. Senior Kyle Duggan was next in for the locals with a 44. Sophomore Chris Riel shot 55 and freshman Zach Mendo a 64 to round out the scorers, both playing their first ever varsity matches.

"I was really proud of them, how they played under some very tough conditions, especially the younger kids," said EPHS coach Bill McEnery. "They all really stepped up."

More team notes

East Providence’s Wetmore was the low Rhode Islander in the field of over 100 boys’ high school aged golfers to compete at the annual U.S. Challenge Cup spring season opening event, this year played at the Alpine Country Club in Cranston over two days, April 19 and 20.

The EPHS junior and No. 1 on the Townies’ roster finished in a share of sixth place for the 36-hole event, carding two rounds of three-over 75.

Wetmore placed T6 with three others. The winning total was 1-over, 145.

Cumberland’s Max Jackson was the next player from the state to finish, sharing 12th with Seekonk’s Gary Taraian as both shot 152 (8-over) totals.

Wetmore’s EPHS teammate Duggan finished 46th alone off rounds of 82-87 (169 total). Eighty-three players made the cut from the original field of 114.

Of note locally from the middle school division, Seekonk’s Zachary Taraian finished solo seventh at 21-over (165). The winning total was 149, 5-over.

Next match

The Townies return to action Wednesday, May 5, for their lone home match of the season at the Agawam Hunt Club against Portsmouth.