SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The West Liberty-Salem boys golf team saved some of its best work for the latter part of the round Thursday, overcoming a slow start to finish fifth at the Ohio Heritage Conference Golf Tournament at Springfield Elks Golf Course.

The Tigers battled through the early holes of the 18-hole, par-72 tournament before finding their rhythm and closing the round on a stronger note. West Liberty-Salem finished with a team score of 383, placing fifth among the 12 teams competing.

Mechanicsburg claimed the conference championship with a team score of 337.

Braydon Thompson paced the Tigers with a 93, while Calen Fairchild and Braxton Catron each carded a 96. Eli Jackson rounded out West Liberty-Salem's scoring with a 98.

While the Tigers were unable to contend for the team championship, their ability to settle down and finish the round strong provided a positive takeaway as the season enters its final stretch.

West Liberty-Salem now turns its attention toward the postseason. The Tigers will compete in the sectional tournament Sept. 23 at National Golf Links as they look to extend their season.

The Tigers should have some familiarity with the National Golf Links course, having played there for a tri-match on September 1^st, winning and posting a 184 over a 9-hole matchday.