The Manchester Essex golf team is headed to the Division 3 state championship.
Competing in the D3 North Sectional Tournament held at Stow Acres on Tuesday morning, the Hornets finished with a cumulative team total of 54-over par, good enough for a third place finish to advance to the big dance.
Captain Gray West led the charge, firing a sizzling 3-over par 75 to finish in a two-way tie for first place with Weston’s William Goldstein. West had two birdies on the day against just five bogies, making the turn at 1-over par before playing his final nine holes at 2-over.
Also contributing was Jake Zschau (87), Jack Lawler (88) and Graham Lewis (92).
Weston High School took first place at 25-over par, followed by North Reading (+50). Hamilton-Wenham was close behind the Hornets in fourth at 56-over. The lone other local to compete was Rockport’s Sam Kesterson, who represented his team with a T32 finish at 19-over par (91).
Manchester Essex now moves on to the state title match at Foxborough Country Club next Monday (Oct. 21).