Decatur Takes Early Lead in ‘Battle of Berlin’

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity golf team took a first step in defending its “Battle of Berlin Challenge Cup,” topping neighborhood rival Worcester Prep in the first round of the tournament last Friday at Eagle’s Landing.

The two local schools competed for the first “Battle of Berlin Challenge Cup” last year just before the start of the fall season last year and, based on the success of the inaugural event, decided to make in an annual fixture on the late summer prep golf calendar. The varsity teams of both schools will compete in a modified Ryder Cup format with the cup, and bragging rights for the entire year, going to the victors.

Eight players from each school competed in a two-person scramble format in last Friday’s matches at Eagle’s Landing and Decatur jumped out to an early lead in the tournament. Decatur’s Jake Miller and Matt Ruggiere defeated Worcester Prep’s Ty Mayers and Will Moore for one point. Seahawks Connor Gebhart and Michell Ott defeated Mallards Scott Gee and Pat Dowling for another point.

Decatur’s Nikki Rafer and Chase Eslin halved their match with Worcester’s Josh Moyer and Brad Pedigo for a half-point for each team. Finally, Decatur’s Joe Iacona and Gabby Anthony beat Worcester’s Billy Brittingham and Matt Middleton for another point.

Last year, Decatur won the inaugural event but Worcester has designs on wresting the cup away from their cross-town rivals this year. Second round action will be held on October 4 with the final rounds set for October 11.