Tree of Life Edges Madison Plains by Two Strokes Behind Burns' 44

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio - Tree of Life Christian School overcame an unfamiliar course Monday afternoon, posting a team score of 197 to defeat Madison Plains by two strokes in a nonleague dual match. Garrison Burns led the Trojans with a 44 as they held off the host team, which finished at 199.

Burns delivered Tree of Life's low round and set the pace for the narrow victory. With only two strokes separating the teams, every counting score proved important against Madison Plains on its home course. Burns' 44 gave the Trojans the low number they needed at the top of their lineup.

Miles George added a 48, bouncing back from a couple of difficult outings to produce Tree of Life's second-lowest reported score. His round kept the Trojans within range throughout the match and accounted for another key piece of the 197 team total.

Walker Strouse also came through with a consequential round, recording a 52 to help secure the victory. Strouse's score again provided the Trojans with needed depth, particularly with the final margin coming down to just two shots. Burns, George and Strouse combined for 144 strokes.

The result carried added significance because Tree of Life had not previously played the course, while Madison Plains entered with the familiarity of competing at home. Clear skies and a temperature of 70 degrees greeted the teams at the 4:30 p.m. start.