PORTSMOUTH - Step one is complete.

The Chesapeake Panthers took the first step toward a repeat trip to the state tournament as they won the Division III sectional golf tournament Wednesday at Shawnee Golf Course.

"We went to the state last year and we'd like to go back, but you have to take it one step at a time," Panthers coach Dave Houck said.

Trent Finley and P.J. Rase each shot a 75 to take medalist honors as the Panthers posted a 324 team score, seven strokes ahead of runner-up Lucasville Valley.

Tyler Angle shot an 86, Kyle Rase had an 88 and Bryon Huff finished with a 90 to round out the Panthers scoring.

"Rase and Finley had a chance to play better, so that's encouraging," Houck said. "But to shoot 3 over, that's pretty good."

The top four teams advance.

Division III Golf

Sectional Tournament

Chesapeake324

Lucasville Valley331

Portsmouth Clay332

Manchester351

North Adams 357

Wheelersburg359

Eastern Pike363

South Webster372

Peebles374

Whiteoak384

Portsmouth Notre Dame391

Portsmouth East428

New Boston485

Individual Leaders

Trent Finley, Chesapeake75

P.J. Rase, Chesapeake75

Cameron Thoroughman, Ports. Clay76

Phillips, Lucasville Valley78

Keller, Lucasville Valley78