The Richmond’s men’s golf team is hoping to use the final Mid-Southeastern Conference match at Pinehurst No. 1 Country Club as momentum going into Monday’s 4-A East Regional tournament at Gates Four Golf and Country Club in Fayetteville.

Despite finishing third in their last match, the Raiders recorded a team season low score of 305. Richmond had four golfers shoot in the 70s, and will need a similar performance if the team is going to advance to the 4-A championship on May 11 at Pinehurst No. 4 Golf Course.

Thirteen schools will compete in the regionals, with the top three teams advancing to the state golf tournament.

“We know team wise, we’re going to have to score somewhere from 300 to 305 to make it to the state championships,” Raiders’ golfer Harold Sellers said. “We showed from our last outing that we’re capable of doing exactly that.”

Sellers shot a 72 at Pinehurst, which was Richmond’s lowest score at the match and Sellers’ best round of the season. Sellers averaged a team best score of 79.8 on the season, which helped him be named to all-conference team.

Even if Richmond doesn’t qualify for the state championship as a team, Sellers or his teammates can qualify individually to the state . The top three individual scores will qualify for the state championship from teams that failed to qualify for it. As a senior, Sellers knows this is his last shot to make it to the state.

“Last week, I was able to come in second place, and if I can shoot in the low 70s, then more than likely I should make it the state as an individual,” he said. “With this being my last chance, I would love to get there.”

Sellers said he enjoys playing at Gates Four where the Raiders have played twice this season. Sellers shot a 75, which was his second best score of the season on March 30.

The team is expected to play a practice round at the course today.

Davis Hilton, another Raider chosen to the all-conference team, shot his second best round of the season at Gates Four, a 76.

Hilton believes his game is coming around after shooting a 76 at Pinehurst. In his previous two matches Hilton recorded scores of 85 at Scotch Meadows and 82 at Richmond Pines.

“The thing I like about that course is that it is pretty wide open because I don’t hit the ball that straight,” Hilton said. “I’m more confident in how I’m playing because I have been getting some lessons at Pinehurst. I feel like my technique on my swing is better. My goal going into the regionals is to try to shoot around even par, which I hope will help my team and myself get to the state.”

Bennett Gardner joined Sellers and Hilton as the final Raider tabbed to the all-conference team. Gardner carded a season-best 76 at Pinehurst and is looking forward to making a strong showing Monday.

“The key for our entire team is putting the ball in the fairway, and knocking putts down,” Gardner said. “Hopefully, everyone will come focused and have a good attitude.”

According to May, the favorites to advance to the state championship round are Pinecrest, Holly Springs and Clayton. Pinecrest and Holly Spring both made the state last year, while Richmond finished 10th.

“I’m just hoping these guys are on top of their game, but there is no pressure on them,” May said. “I just want them to go out there and have fun. It’s a one-day tournament so anything can happen.”

n Contact sports reporter Corey Davis at 997-3111, ext. 44; e-mail cdavis@yourdailyjournal.com