The San Benito boys golf team knew the Tri-County Athletic League Mountain Division title on Monday in Salinas would come down to Palma and the Balers.
To win the league, San Benito needed to beat the Chieftains for the first time in seven chances.
The eighth time was no different for the Balers, as San Benito finished second to Palma 386-385.
“We were right there,” head coach Reggie Synegal said. “One stroke. We had it. I couple of guys felt a little bad. We were a couple of mistakes away from winning.”
The second-place finish sets up a two-team playoff between TCAL Valley Division winner Christopher and San Benito at Laguna Seca Golf Ranch in Monterey on Tuesday.
The winner earns a berth in the Central Coast Section finals with Palma.
Despite losing to Palma on Monday, San Benito’s Aaron Smith shot a tournament-low 2-under par 70 and Ryan Han took the TCAL most valuable player award by shooting a 71.
Greg Moreno’s 81, Tony Ramos’ 82, Andrew Colton’s 82 and John German’s 85 rounded out the scoring for San Benito during the 18-hole tournament at the Salinas Golf and Country Club.
“I feel really good how we played,” Synegal said. “We are still peaking at the right time. We are still getting better.”
All-league boys golf
Mountain:
MVP: Ryan Han (SB)
1st Team All-league: Ryan Han (SB), Joey Russo (M), Jay Burlison (P), Aaron Smith (SB), Ryan Slater (MVC), Marc Moreno (P)
2nd Team All-league: Jack Burlison (P), Jack Tardieu (P), Grant Headley (M), Nick Calciano (MVC), Travis Winn (P), Greg Moreno (SB)
Sportsmanship Award: John German (SB), Antonio Jennings (M), Ryan Slater (MVC), Marc Moreno (P), Jack Hill (S), Peter Batin (W)
