Jason Boswell believes his Turlock High boys golf team is peaking at the right time.
The Bulldogs’ latest effort ended with a spot in Monday’s Sac-Joaquin Section Masters Tournament at The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton, thanks to an outstanding 2-under 70 showing by senior Paul Smith at last Monday’s Division I South Championships at Pheasant Run Golf Course in Chowchilla. With freshman Teo Chiesa’s 79 in the 18-hole tournament, the Bulldogs finished as the runner-ups with a team score of 409 — 17 strokes behind winner St. Mary’s of Stockton.
“The team is excited to be runner-up at divisionals and being able to continue to compete deeper into the playoffs,” said Boswell, who’s in his first year as coach. “I am very proud of my team for playing the way they did. We feel that we can continue to play better and score below 400 and compete at the Masters.”
Supporting Smith and Chiesa were Turlock teammates Hadon Sparks (83), Tyler Gomes (85) and Zack Cederlind (92). Only five scores counted, as Craig Segars’ 93 rounded out the Bulldogs’ day.
Again, the Bulldogs are peaking and they’re ready for next week’s challenge — especially Smith, the younger brother of USC golfer Sam Smith who won the Masters as an individual last year.
“Paul played very well,” Boswell added. “He seems to put it into another gear when it comes to the CIF playoffs. I am expecting him to have one of the better scores Monday at the Masters.
“His confidence is there and his swing is there.”
Eagles continue postseason run
Even through hail and lightning delay, the Turlock Christian golf team still managed to capture the Division VI Championships last Monday at Darkhorse Golf Course in Auburn after Kathleen Rojas carded an 81 at the 18-hole tournament. It is the Eagles’ fifth divisional title in the last seven years.
The Eagles will compete at Monday’s Masters in Stockton.
Other counted Turlock Christian scorers were Chase Ulrich (85), Ben Paris (90), Esther Rojas (92) and Kyle Cederlind (95). The Rojas sisters compete with the boys because there is no girls team at their school.
Kathleen Rojas’ score was enough for second overall in the individual standings.
Pitman tennis run ends in quarterfinals
The Pitman High boys tennis team’s run in the Division I Tournament ended Monday afternoon, when the Pride lost to Armijo High for the second straight year in the quarterfinals. The Indians won seven of the nine matches to move on to face Jesuit High in the semifinals.
To contact Chhun Sun, e-mail csun@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2041.
