(photo courtesy Plymouth Athletics)

There’s a first time for everything, and the boys golf teams at Trinity Academy and Plymouth High School are enjoying those first times today. Both schools captured their first regional championships in the sport Thursday afternoon.

At Stonehenge, CC, Plymouth topped a talented field, edging Homestead by one stroke and Warsaw by two to grab the crown. All three schools advance to next week’s state finals.

Consistency was the key for the Pilgrims as Ben Nguyen, Bryce Busse and Caleb Harland all posted 75s, while sectional runner-up Dan Nguyen came in at 77.

Homestead’s Holden Orofino set the pace, grabbing medalist honors with a 68, but Landon Snyder was next with a 77. Luke Baumgardner led Warsaw with a 75.

Westview’s Luke Haarer also advanced with 71.

At Sandy Pines Golf Club in Demotte, a Trinity Academy squad that fielded its first golf team five years ago, fired a remarkable 299 to easily beat Elkhart by 11 strokes. Saint Joseph downed Valparaiso in a tiebreaker to earn the third state finalist spot.

Nathan Palmer led the way for the Titans, firing a blistering 68 on the par 72 layout to grab medalist honors. His brother, Gabe carded a 74 to help the cause.

Sophomore Ben Divido led the Elkhart charge with a 72, followed by Cameron Miller’s 75.  Saint Joseph relied on Tate Guyton’s 74 to pace the Huskies.

The IHSAA state finals will be conducted Tuesday and Wednesday, June 16-17, at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel.