Old Lyme — Tuesday's post-match breakdown session covered far more lows than highs for the Old Lyme High School golf team.

The Wildcats had an off day in a Shoreline Conference match between two league title contenders. 

So did Portland, which was just slightly better and won by two strokes, 180-182, at Black Hall Club.

Neither side walked off the course happy with the way they played.

A disruptive, gusting wind helped inflate the scores.

"Club selection was difficult to read," Old Lyme senior Graham Aird said. "If you hit a good shot, it would turn out a little long or a little short. It was tough."

Medalist honors went to Portland senior Nick Piersall, the team's No. 1 golfer who fired a 5-over 41, four strokes better than the next best score. Piersall won the CIAC Division IV individual title last spring and led the Highlanders to their first state crown since 1986.

Aird, senior Cam Roberts and sophomore Peter MacAdam tied for low score honors for Old Lyme at 45. Senior Will Roberts had a 47.

Prior to the match, Old Lyme coach Kirk Kaczor called the match a "big test" for his program.

The unfavorable outcome did nothing to damage Old Lyme's confidence for next time the two teams meet in the Shoreline Conference tournament on May 23. The Wildcats fell to 6-1, 3-1, while the Highlanders climbed to 7-3, 5-0. Portland's three losses came against quality non-conference competition in Glastonbury, Avon and South Windsor.

"I don't think it makes any difference," Kaczor said. "It just depends on how we play on that given day. I've got six guys here that can play varsity for me. ... I think we feel a little more confidence now that we've seen that Portland is not putting up some score that's unattainable. If we had played a better match, we'd be in better shape. ... It's within reach."

"We know that we had a home course advantage today. But we know if we come out and play the way we're capable of, they're not invincible. They're extremely good. Everybody can have their day. We've got to hope to have ours at the right time."

The home course advantage was neutralized a bit because the match took place on the back nine instead of the front, which was closed for aeration.

Then the Wildcats began spraying the ball around starting on the first tee.

Senior Matt McCarthy, who plays at No. 2, could only shake his head after his first shot settled in an unplayable spot and ended up settling for a double bogey on the 10th hole. All the work that he put in the practice range before the match didn't pay off.

McCarthy and Aird have been the most consistent golfers this season for the Wildcats.

"I guess I got all my good shots out on the range," said McCarthy, who finished with a 51.

When the No. 1 and No. 2 golfers turned in their scores, Old Lyme already trailed by nine strokes. It was too much for the Wildcats to make up.

Old Lyme has a couple weeks to polish its game before the conference tournament. The Wildcats have lofty goals for the remainder of the season.

"Winning Shoreline and states would be a big goal," Aird said. "I think we can do both."

g.keefe@theday.com