PORTSMOUTH – Nansemond River’s golf team got good news all the way around on Wednesday in a victory over city rival King’s Fork at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course.

To start with, the Warriors won by forfeit over the Bulldogs to improve to 2-2 on the season.

More importantly in the long run though, the Warriors got excellent rounds from two players, Shanice Mason and Gene Hong, to propel them to a season-low total of 338. The added depth to the Warrior team could prove a turning point as the schedule moves along.

Mason shot 79 and was co-medalist with teammate Travis Johnson thanks largely to a superb back nine. She played holes 10-14 in one-under par with birdies on Nos. 11 and 14. Throughout the round, Mason’s putting was on target saving her numerous strokes.

On No. 11, Mason drove to just short of the green on the short par four, chipped on and rolled in a 10-foot birdie putt. On No. 14, a long par four, Mason powered a long, straight drive down the fairway, put an iron shot onto the front edge of the green, then made an 18-foot putt for a three.

Hong, a rising freshman, came out for the team only on Tuesday and Wednesday’s match was his first competitive round. Hong’s 93 was the No. 4 score for Nansemond River and a surprisingly good, immediate addition to the team.

Nansemond River head coach Craig Stephenson said Hong took geometry in summer school “just to get ahead”, then went on vacation with his family last week after the end of summer school.

Hong showed terrific ability for practically being a rookie. He rolled in a 20-foot par putt on No. 13 with a fist pump and an excited “Yes!” to boot. On No. 14, Hong split the fairway with a 265-yard drive, hit an iron to 12 feet from the hole and two-putted for a par.

Nicole Hemmis shot 87 to complete NR’s team total. Andrew Cospelich had King’s Fork’s best round with an 86.

NR plays against Oscar Smith on Tuesday at Chesapeake Golf Club. KF (0-4) meets Grassfield on Monday at Chesapeake Golf Club.