PINE GROVE -- If you compared the Ironton Fighting Tigers golf season to a golf match, they played par the first half but birdied the back nine.

Shooting a 165 team total Monday, Ironton posted its ninth win against 10 teams as it began tuning up for the postseason.

Dennis Gagai and Seth Christian each carded a 40, Nick Boggess had a 42 and Justin Gillum a 43 as Ironton put together its 165 total at the Ironton Country Club.

Chesapeake finished with a 175 as P.J. Rase had a 40 to share medalist honors with Gagai and Christian. Phillip Butcher had a 44 and Trent Finley a 45 for the Panthers.

South Point had a 196 total with Tyler Stapleton carding a 41. Green was next with a 207.

"We're showing improvement at the right time," Ironton coach Jeff Kerns said. "The team struggled the first part of the year. Dennis and Nick have been the most consistent so far, but Justin and Seth are starting to come around."

Last Thursday, Ironton was one stroke better with a 164 team score. Gagai sizzled with a 39, Boggess had a 41, and both Christian and Gillum shot 42.

Gallipolis, which had beaten Ironton earlier this season, was second at 181. The Fairland Dragons had a 192 and the Rock Hill Redmen shot a 201.

The Fighting Tigers only loss was to Greenup County,Ky., Aug. 26 at River Bend. Greenup had a 166 while Ironton shot a 181. Gagai and Christian each had a 42, Gillum a 45, and Boggess and Seth Haynes each fashioned a 52.

The previous day at the Ironton Country Club, Ironton had a 171 total to beat Ashland, Ky., South Point and Green.

Gagai tied for medalist honors with a 41, Gillum shot a 42, Boggess 43, and Christian 45.

Ashland's score was 178, South Point totaled 193, and Green 212.

"I'm proud of my players and their effort. They are great kids," Kerns said.

Ironton plays Meigs Tuesday, then plays a tri-match with Portsmouth and Gallipolis Thursday at the Portsmouth Elks.

The final home match is Monday against Greenup County.