PINE GROVE — Not the best, but definitely better.

The Ironton Fighting Tigers golf team improved by 20 strokes over last year’s score in their own invitational tournament, but their efforts were only good enough for sixth place.

Jackson won the tournament held Monday at the Ironton Country Club with a 308 score. West Union was second at 320 followed by South Webster at 332, Portsmouth Clay 335, Chesapeake a 336, and Ironton 342.

“We lost a great golfer in Seth Christian, we have only one senior, and 10 of our 16 players are freshmen,” said Ironton coach Jeff Kerns. “But we improved by 20 strokes over last year, so I’m pretty pleased with our effort. I still think we can get better.”

Nathan Kerns led Ironton with a 76 including a 33 on the front nine. Freshman Andy Holtzapfel was next just two strokes back while Michael Filkins, Josh Mullins, and Mason Weisgarber all had a 94.

Ironton (6-5) plays Russell, Ky., Wednesday at The Oaks golf course and plays in the Portsmouth Invitational on Thursday.

Team Scores

1, Jackson 308; 2, West Union 320; 3. South Webster 332; 4. Portsmouth Clay 335. 5, Chesapeake 336. 6, Ironton 342. 7, Portsmouth 345. 8, Gallipolis 366. 9. Fairland 367. 10. South Point 404. 11, River Valley 462. 12. Rock Hill (NTS),

Individual Scores

Ironton: Nathan Kerns 76, Andy Holtzapfel 78, Michael Filkins 94, Josh Mullins 94, Mason Weisgarber 94.

Rock Hill: N. Davenport 100, S. Mayner 122, C. Donahue 101.

Chesapeake: Scott 82, Kyle Rase 81, Huff 86, Hoback 88, Allen 87.

Fairland: T. Perry 86, J. Earl 92, T. Franklin 93, A. Berry 96, 6. Boster 119.

South Point: Z. Taylor 107, W. Hall 92, D. Vilglimco 100, W. Hall 1-5.

West Union: Richmond 73, Schneider 77, J. Lawless 82, F. McCarty 88, R. Pull 89.

Jackson: Dobbins 70 (medalist), Cantor 83, Bililand 78, Malone 77, Webb 90.

Portsmouth: S. Doll 86, Gowdy 81, Harcha 97, J. Cliffod 90, A. Lacy 88.

Gallipolis: Royal 78, J, Cornell 95, Hamilton 91, Rhodes 102, Elkins 90.

River Valley: Jaggers 80, Simms 122, Ball 134, Bryant 126.

Portsmouth Clay: Hines 72, Riddlebarger 87, Keaton 89, Blanton 92, McKenzie 87.

South Webster: Ramey 77, Lawhan 77, Jackson 86, Ashley 99, Haywood 90.