San Benito takes second again, holds 6-point lead on third-place
Salinas
Salinas
One more tournament. One step closer.
The San Benito Haybalers strengthened their second-place position in the Tri-County Athletic League this week, posting two more runner-up finishes in TCAL Tournaments at the Salinas Fairways Golf Course.
The ‘Balers scored a 196 on Tuesday and a 194 on Thursday, which placed them just short of first-place Palma’s team scores of 189 and 187, respectively.
The second-place standing for San Benito, though – their sixth second-place finish in as many tournaments – makes it even more difficult for Salinas. With the top two teams in the TCAL earning an automatic trip to the Central Coast Section Boys Golf Championships in May, the third-place Cowboys will need a small miracle to happen in order to punch their CCS ticket.
The ‘Balers will carry a six-point lead on Salinas into the TCAL Finals on April 28 at the Quail Lodge Resort and Golf Club in Carmel, and will need to finish fourth or better to be CCS-bound.
“Obviously, the intent is to win TCALs, but CCS is the ultimate goal,” coach Sal Felice said. “[On Thursday], we were a whole lot better from top to bottom.”
Nathan Winn, Justin Palmquist and Marcus Synegal each shot a 2-over 38 on the front nine for San Benito on Thursday. Chieftain Chris Castello shot a 36 to medal the round.
Rounding out San Benito was Joey Amaral’s 39, Derell Aton’s 41 and Will Cross’ 42.
“Now they’re putting together good numbers while they compete, which is a positive,” Felice said. “They’re happy, but they feel like they can beat Palma.
“I still think they can beat Palma. Palma keeps getting us, but we’re getting better.”
Salinas came in just two strokes behind San Benito with a 196, while Gilroy (216), Alisal (218) and Everett Alvarez (230) rounded out the field.
Cross led the ‘Balers with a 37 on Tuesday, and was one stroke off from Palma’s Joe Azzopardi, who medaled the round with a 36.
Winn and Synegal each shot a 39 for San Benito, while Amaral had a 40 and Aton finished the round with a 41. Palmquist carded a 45 for the ‘Balers.
Salinas (208), Gilroy (216), Alisal (231) and Everett Alvarez (242) rounded out the league.
San Benito will have one more match before the TCAL Finals. The ‘Balers will play a dual against Aptos on Wednesday at the Seascape Golf Club.
Tee time is 3:30 p.m.
