PINE GROVE — Jeff Kerns sees something he likes, and he’d like to see a lot more.

Kerns, the Ironton Fighting Tigers golf coach, is seeing vast improvement in his team over the past week and he knows it can only get better.

“We’re getting better. We shot our best score of the year today. We’ve got some guys who are starting to step up and play more consistently,” said Kerns.

“But we’re not there yet. We can play better. It’s coming.”

Ironton posted a 161 team score in a quad match at the Ironton Country Club Monday.

Nathan Kerns fired an even par 35 to lead Ironton. Andy Holtzapfel carded his best score of the season with a 38, Josh Cooke had a 43, and Josh Mullins and Mason Weisgarber each shot a 45.

Portsmouth had its best performance and shot a 158 team score while favorite West Union beat Ironton by just two strokes at 159.

Kerns and Portsmouth’s Steve Doll shared medalist honors.

The Fighting Tigers hosted a tri-match against Elliott County, Ky., and West Carter, Ky., last Monday.

Elliott had a 163 score to edge Ironton by two strokes. West Carter shot a 177.

Kerns had a 1-under par 34 to lead all golfers. Holtzapfel was next with a 42 and Weisgarber carded a 44. Mullins, Jonathan Williams, and Michael Filkins all had rounds of 45.

Ironton traveled to Hidden Cove Golf Course in Carter County, Ky., last Tuesday to play Elliott County and West Carter.

Elliott had a 166 to win the tri-match. Ironton shot a 177, one stroke better than West Carter.

Kerns had a 3-over par 39 for Ironton with Holtzapfel and Williams each posting a 41 for nine holes.

Weisgarber shot a 48, Mullins a 49 and Filkins had a 53.

Ironton, now 25-20, plays Portsmouth Clay Wednesday at Shawnee Golf Course.

Last Wednesday, the Ironton junior varsity won a match against Rock Hill, 197 to 221.

Aaron Christian led Ironton with a 47. Jonathan Williams, Brice Roach, and Heath Friend all shot a 50, Josh Cooke had a 51, and Andrew Hicks finished with a 53.