GILROY – The conditions facing the Gilroy High boys golf team
out on the course weren’t exactly ideal during Wednesday’s fourth
Tri-County Athletic League Tournament of the season at the
Mustangs’ home course, Eagle Ridge Golf Course.
GILROY – The conditions facing the Gilroy High boys golf team out on the course weren’t exactly ideal during Wednesday’s fourth Tri-County Athletic League Tournament of the season at the Mustangs’ home course, Eagle Ridge Golf Course.
Just as the first group of golfers teed off on Hole 1, the wind began to swirl and remained and issue throughout the round. Despite the gusty circumstances, the Mustangs used their knowledge of the course to capture a third place finish, their best placing so far this season.
“The way the league is set up, first and second is usually unattainable,” head coach Jared Gamble said. “Third place is a really good finish for them, it kind of feels like a first place. The kids are pretty happy.”
The Mustangs (240) edged Salinas by two strokes, finishing behind San Benito and Palma, who placed one, two, respectively. The Balers and Chieftains have won or finished second in each of the TCAL tournaments this season.
“It was cold out there,” Gamble said. “Especially after the way the weather was today, for us to play somewhat consistent to how we normally do, and to move up a couple of places, I was really proud of the kids. They didn’t let the weather affect them too much today.”
The Mustangs have spent much of the season jockeying for position in the standings with Alvarez and Salinas. With Wednesday’s finish, Gamble said the Mustangs sit alone in fourth place in the seven-team league.
Sophomore Alex Siao, the team’s No. 1 golfer, carded the low round for GHS, shooting a 45 on the par 36 front 9.
“I got a lot of lucky bounces, I guess you can say a member’s bounce,” a modest Siao said. “I think (the third place finish) will motivate us. It shows us that we can play with Salinas and Alvarez.”
The Mustangs received a big boost from No. 5 golfer, Chris Martinez. The senior shot a 46, the team’s second lowest score of the day.
Freshman Tommy Cox posted a 50 while senior Wesley Theigles came through with a 49.
Junior Mitch Goldsmith carded a 55 and fellow junior Cory Gawan shot a 50 to round out the Mustangs’ efforts.
“If I play well and all my teammates play well, we feel like we can be one of the top teams,” Siao said. “All of our players are getting more knowledge of playing in a tournament situation.”
Next up for the Mustangs is an appearance at the Atwater Invitational in Stevinson on Monday.
