Andy Parra and the San Benito boys golf team are flying high after winning the Tri-County Athletic League mini tournament at Ridgemark yesterday.
“It’s going to be a huge momentum swing,” said Parra, the ‘Balers head coach. “We’re talking about taking league now.”
Entering the tournament, San Benito had defined its goal as qualifying for the Central Coast Section Championships as a team – necessitating a top-two TCAL finish at the end of the regular season – but the team’s strong showing yesterday against its toughest league foes now has the Haybalers setting their sights even higher.
The ‘Balers shot 200 on Ridgemark’s Gabilan Course to narrowly defeat Salinas (201) for the tournament title. San Benito senior Chris Shackleton earned medalist honors with his 1-under-par round of 35.
Prior to yesterday’s competition, the Haybalers had fallen short each time they played Palma and Salinas, and found themselves in a battle for third place in league with Gilroy. But in the only league-wide meet prior to the TCAL Championships, San Benito prevailed, with Gilroy pulling in third at 203 strokes and Palma slipping to fourth at 206. Live Oak finished a distant fifth at 253.
“I think we put a huge emphasis on a win today,” said Parra last night. “The kids were just really focused today. They really focused in and played well.”
Freshman Diego Navarro, San Benito’s No. 2 golfer, shot a 2-over 38 and Derek Stone (40), Ryan Wood (43) and Anthony Trefielo (44) all helped propel the ‘Balers to the victory.
After downing their rivals in shooting their low round of the season, the Haybalers could hardly wait to get back on the course.
“Oh gosh, the kids were excited. It was awesome,” said Parra. “I looked in their eyes and they were smelling blood. They’re ready to shoot some low rounds. They’re really excited about the rest of the season.”
San Benito hopes to continue its strong play when it faces Salinas and Live Oak at Corral de Tierra on Monday at 2:30pm.
Scott Campbell is the sports editor of the Hollister Free Lance. You can reach him at (831) 637-5566 (x334) or at [email protected].
