San Benito thrilled to shoot low round of season; looks forward
to Mustangs
&
amp; Cowboys
The San Benito boys golf team didn’t come out on top in its competition with Salinas yesterday, but the Haybalers still had to view the round as a success.
“We lost by five, but we played our best round of the year so far,” said San Benito head coach Andy Parra.
Salinas defeated the ‘Balers 194-199 at Corral de Tierra, avenging its one-stroke loss at last week’s Tri-County Athletic League mini tournament. Matt Adrian of the Cowboys was yesterday’s medalist with a 2-under-par round of 34.
In shooting below 200 for the first time this season, San Benito was led by two of its seniors – Derek Stone and Chris Shackleton. Stone, the ‘Balers’ No. 3 golfer, fired an even-par 36 and No. 1 Shackleton posted a 37.
Freshmen Gene Park and Diego Navarro shot 40 and 43, respectively, and senior Ryan Wood closed with a 43 as well.
Parra wasn’t too concerned with Salinas getting the better of his team yesterday, attributing much of the difference from last week’s result to the Cowboys knowing the lay of the land at Corral de Tierra.
“It’s their home course,” said San Benito’s coach. “You always have a home course advantage.”
In fact, Parra sensed a newfound attitude from his golfers – a confidence drawn from defeating Palma and Salinas for the first time all year last week.
“Our momentum is picking up as a team,” said Parra. “The team talk is just different. They’re talking like we’re going to win every match we play.”
San Benito returns to action tomorrow when it hosts Salinas and Gilroy at Ridgemark. With only two spots at the Central Coast Section Championships guaranteed to TCAL teams, the ‘Balers are in a battle with the Mustangs for third place in league at the moment, while also setting their sights on Palma and Salinas at the top.
“We have to play well every match,” said Parra. “Wednesday’s a big day. We’re expecting to win on Wednesday.”
