Madelyn Weaver prepares to tee off for Tippecanoe Valley during a three-way meet at Swan Lake Resort Wednesday. (Photos by James Costello)

PLYMOUTH — Admittedly, Tippecanoe Valley’s score Wednesday wasn’t the Lady Vikings’ best.

But the front side of the Black Course at Swan Lake Resort can be pretty challenging. And besides, Valley’s 225 was good enough to collect a pair of wins over Bremen and Triton. The Lions split the three-way with a 230 ahead of the Trojans’ 268.

“This is probably going to be our highest score of the year at this point. I’d like to see us consistently in the 190s, but with the conditions today being windy and playing the front here at the Black Course at Swan Lake, it’s pretty tough,” said Valley coach Thadd Mellott.

Triton’s Maddie Ritchison watches her tee shot during Wednesday’s meet.

The Vikings were led by Madelyn Weaver’s 52, while Mellott’s daughter, Kaydence and Molly Moriarty both carded 54. Lily Ault and Lydia Miller both turned in 65s for Valley, which improved to 7-4 in nine-hole meets. It’s a very strong start for a group of five freshmen.

“I’m really excited about it. Last year I was really anticipating and excited about this year. I’ve known all these freshmen for quite a number of years because they’re all friends with my daughter. It’s been exciting to watch them play over the last couple of years,” said Mellott.

While Valley has a young but experienced team, the Trojans have battled inexperience in the early in 2019. Maddie Ritchison is the team’s lone returner from last fall and has made a big jump up from fifth in the lineup to the top flight. She led Triton with a 56 Wednesday.

“Tonight, she’ll even tell you, was not her greatest round. She’s working on a few things at practice, so she’s trying to carry that over into a match,” explained Triton head coach Blake Schori. “Taking that big step to the one spot, I’ve been pleased with her. She’s been working hard and has a great attitude. I can only hope that she continues to improve and make that strong push toward sectional.”

Behind Ritchison, Haley Rensberger shot 69, Lilly Hubert carded 71 and Haley Hooley shot 72. The Trojans slipped to 1-7, but Schori — in his first season taking over for 23-year Triton coach Jack Carpenter — is happy with the way his unseasoned team has been willing to work.

“It is a big learning curve, just like anything else. It’s completely new to them, and I think anyone would tell you starting out fresh with golf is not the easiest thing, but, all things considered from the very beginning — from the first day of practice to where we are now — they’ve made huge strides,” said Schori. “They’ve got great attitudes. I couldn’t be more pleased with them. They’re a great group of girls.”