It’s a lot more fun to win matches than it is to lose them. It’s a different feeling this year. We’ve won all of our conference matches, which puts us in a position to potentially win the conference.”

Ian Metzger

ROCHELLE — A memorable season could be brewing for the Rochelle Hub varsity golf team, which continued its recent hot streak and remained unbeaten in the Interstate 8 Conference after outshooting the Sycamore Spartans at Fairways Golf Course on Tuesday evening.

Junior Ian Metzger earned medalist honors with a 2-over-par 38, while sophomore Alex Dyer followed with a 3-over-par 39 as the Hubs defeated Sycamore 165-172. Metzger has been the catalyst for Rochelle (8-1, 3-0 Interstate 8) over the last few weeks, posting a series of stellar rounds including a season-best 34 against the Morris Redskins at The Creek. Metzger said Tuesday that being competitive has fueled the team’s surprisingly strong start to the season.

“I didn’t know how well everyone would shoot this year,” Metzger said. “We have to take four scores, but when we have five guys who can post a number, it gives us a good chance to win. It’s been great because Alex and I know we don’t have to shoot in the low 30s to give our team a chance. We just need to keep playing how we have been and continue to get better.”

Sophomore Owen Carmichael carded a 41 for the Hubs, who have already won more matches this season than they had over the previous three years combined. While Metzger and Dyer have led the charge, Rochelle has benefited from consistent scoring from newcomers like sophomore Johnny Chadwick, who posted a 47 to round out the top four players Tuesday. Senior Chris Hickey and sophomore Connor Lewis finished with scores of 51 and 54.

“It’s a lot more fun to win matches than it is to lose them,” Metzger said. “It’s a different feeling this year. We’ve won all of our conference matches, which puts us in a position to potentially win the conference… I had an idea of how Alex and I would shoot this year because we played a lot over the summer, but Owen’s been solid and both Johnny and Connor have helped out.”

The Hubs have two more Interstate 8 matches before competing in the conference tournament, where Metzger will look to defend his crown after winning the individual title last season. Rochelle will face Kaneland at Hughes Creek on Wednesday before hosting Ottawa at Fairways on Tuesday, Sept. 17. The Interstate 8 tournament is at Kishwaukee Country Club on Sept. 23.

“My ball striking has been there and I’ve been consistently lowering my score,” Metzger said. “I still don’t feel like I’ve hit my full stride yet and I know there are more good scores to come.”