The first-ever invitational that Nansemond River High School golf team hosted was a success.

The Warriors golf team decided to add some big things to the area a few months ago when they coordinated an invitational that involved more than 10 teams in the Hampton Roads area. A wealth of competition met at Bide-A-Wee golf course last Friday to play in an invitational, and the event turned out well for its first time around.

“It went well for everyone involved,” Coach Brandon Frye said. “I have to give a lot of credit to the Bide-A-Wee staff, because they really did a good job taking care of everything. I didn’t have too much to worry about, and I appreciate them for that.”

The two Suffolk schools, Nansemond River and King’s Fork High School, competed well. Nansemond River finished with a team score of 364, and King’s Fork finished with a team score of 431. Ocean Lakes High School took the inaugural invitational championship. Bayside High School had the individual champion. Both Suffolk coaches were happy with the opportunity to play against some good teams

“The competition was great,” Frye said. “Two of the best teams in the area were there. This was definitely something I can see becoming more competitive over the years.”

“We didn’t have our best day, but there was some good competition,” Bulldogs coach Robert Casteen said. “It was a good learning experience for our team with the tournament format. We also got to see teams we don’t normally face like that during the regular season as well. All-around, it was great.”

Frye mentioned that all coaches were appreciative to have been in the event and are already looking forward to next season. Even those that missed out are looking to make their mark in the invitational next year as well.

Last week, the Nansemond River golf team competed in back-to-back matches last Thursday and Friday as they officially started their season.  Frye liked how his team faired in both a head-to-head match with another school and in the invitational.

“They got some good experience out there,” he said. “They are learning, and I see us continue to score better throughout the season than we did last week.”

Invitational scores

Individual Champion: Amber Mackiewicz (Bayside), Champions: Ocean Lakes

Ocean Lakes 331, Bayside 332, Great Bridge 338, Churchland 346, Western Branch 360, Nansemond River 364,  Landstown 379, Smithfield 389, Deep Creek 406, Kempsville 429, King’s Fork 431