San Benito finishes runner-up at TCAL Finals, will compete at
CCS regionals
CARMEL VALLEY
Despite its runner-up finish at the Tri-County Athletic League Finals Monday, the San Benito High boys golf team qualified to the upcoming Central Coast Section regionals for the second straight season.
The Haybalers, anchored by Marcus Synegal’s 77, compiled a 396 at the year-end tournament, which was played on the par-71 Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel.
San Benito trailed Palma, however.
“I’m tired of saying that,” SBHS boys golf coach Reggie Synegal said.
The Chieftains, which took fourth place at state last season, shot a 371 over 18 holes of golf Monday.
Palma’s Matt Ogden was the medalist with a 2-under 69.
“The day was good, definitely a little chilly, but everybody played the best they could,” Synegal said.
“It was a little cold today so the ball didn’t travel as well as it does. But under the conditions, we could have shot a little better than than we did today.”
Joey Amaral was the only other ‘Baler to shoot in the 70’s, posting a 78, while Blake Stephens and Will Cross each carded 80’s. Nathan Winn shot an 81, while Derell Aton rounded out the team with an 88.
“All the guys had a lot of challenges to deal with today, the course being No. 1,” Synegal said.
“We just need to stay focused and stay true to the things we’ve been working on.”
Synegal feels putting will come into play next week when the ‘Balers compete at the CCS regionals at Rancho Canada Golf Club in Carmel Valley. San Benito compiled a 397 at last year’s CCS regional, and missed the cut by just two strokes.
Meanwhile, five members were selected all-league for San Benito, including first team selections Marcus Synegal and Will Cross.
Joey Amaral, Blake Stephens and Nathan Winn were chosen to the second team.
The regional tournament will commence on either Tuesday or Wednesday next week for San Benito. Only the top four teams and the top eight individuals who are not members of those qualifying teams advance to the CCS Championships, which will take place the following week.
