FRIENDSHIP — That’s why they call it a team sport.

Ironton and West Union each shot a 313-team score to tie for first place, so the teams went to their fifth player’s score that serves as the tiebreaker.

Ironton’s fifth score was an 85 by Mason Weisgarber. West Union’s fifth score was a 97. The result was a Division II sectional championship for the Ironton Fighting Tigers Tuesday at Shawnee Golf Course.

“Overall the depth of our team was the key. We needed every shot today,” said Jeff Kerns who captured his first sectional title during his tenure as the Ironton coach.

Nathan Kerns led Ironton with a one-over 73, the second best score for the tournament behind Stewart Doll of Portsmouth who had an even par 72.

Josh Zornes was next for Ironton with a 75, Andy Holtzapfel shot an 82, and Josh Mullins was just one shot back at 83.

“Josh Zornes played very, very well and Josh Mullins played well. I can’t say enough for how this team just battles physically and mentally,” said coach Kerns.

Led by Nathan Kerns with an eagle on No. 18, Ironton shot 4-under as a team on the final hole.

“We started well, we struggled in the middle, and then we finished strong,” said coach Kerns. “This team may not be the most talented, but they try to play smart and they just work hard.”

Ironton and West Union qualified for the district tournament along with Wheelersburg (335), Lucasville Valley (339), and Gallipolis (340).

Portsmouth was sixth with a 349 score followed by Fairland at 356, Piketon 359, South Point 360, Waverly 372, Northwest 418, Rock Hill 423, and Portsmouth West 433. Minford and Eastern Brown had only three players and their scores were not counted.

Besides the top five teams advancing, the top five golfers not on a qualifying team advance to the district.

Doll, South Point’s Kevin Davis, Piketon’s Jake Nutt, and Fairland’s Tyler Perry and Chris Ward all advanced. Davis shot an 81, Nutt 83, Perry 84 and Ward 86.

The district tournament is Monday in Marietta. The top two teams and top best individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the state tournament.

Division II at Shawnee State Golf Course

Team Scores

Ironton# 313

West Union 313

Wheelersburg 335

Lucasville Valley 339

Gallipolis 340

Portsmouth 349

Fairland 356

Piketon 359

South Point 366

Waverly 372

Northwest 418

Rock Hill 423

Portsmouth West 433

Minford* DQ

Eastern Brown* DQ

#-Won on 5th man score

*-Had only 3 players

Individual Qualifiers

Stewart Doll, Portsmouth (medalist) 72

Kevin Davis, South Point 81

Jake Nutt, Piketon 83

Tyler Perry, Fairland 84

Chris Ward, Fairland 86

IRONTON 313: Nathan Kerns 73, Josh Zornes 75, Andy Holtzapfel 82, Josh Mullins 83, Mason Weisgarber 85.

Division II at Chillicothe

Team Scores

Logan Elm 310

Unioto 324

Sheridan 337

Circleville 358

Westfall 359

New Lexington 362

Zane Trace 369

McClain 374

Fairfield Union 380

Washington CH 384

Meigs 385

Alexander 390

Wellston 395

River Valley 402

Vinton County 436

Individual Qualifiers

Drew Davis, Zane Trace 83

Connor Johnson, Wash. Court House 85

Jeff Baker, Greenfield McClain 88

Michael Harley, New Lexington 88

Mason Cannon, New Lexington 88