Xaverian puts it all together to win Catholic Conference golf tournament

WORCESTER — The Xaverian golf team may have had a few hiccups during the regular season, but they found the cure on Monday afternoon at the Catholic Conference Shootout.

The Hawks topped the six-team field with a stroke play total of 299, edging host St. John’s of Shrewsbury (301) by two shots at Worcester Country Club. Xaverian split a pair of dual matches with the Pioneers this fall and was swept by St. John’s Prep, which was third at 310.

“We have made a journey as a team this year. Not that we were playing poorly early, but we lost some close ones early, and of course the conference tests you so much, match in and match out,” said Xaverian coach Gerry Lambert. “I’m really proud of the guys today. They stayed within themselves and played one shot at time — not easy to do when you know every shot theoretically could be the tournament.”

The format for the season-ending event, organized for this year with no MIAA postseason tournament, mirrored sectional and state competition, with each team counting the top four scores from six players. The Hawks were clearly the most complete unit on the course as all six to tee it up shot 80 or better on a tough day that featured cool conditions and quick, sloping greens on the hilly Donald Ross layout.

Senior Eric Boulger, a UConn commit, led the way for Xaverian with a 1-over 71, junior Joey Lenane was a couple back at 73 while classmate Spencer Dumas carded 76. Xaverian had its choice of 79s from Ryan Scollins and Trevor Connolly to round out its top-four, and Dan Brady was just one behind with an 80.

“I think as a team we were just a little inconsistent all year but I think we all felt good coming in here,” said Boulger, a Walpole native.

Ethan Whitney of St. John’s (S) was the lone player to break par on the day as the Temple-bound senior fired a 1-under 69 to put his team into contention. Ray Dennehy and Jacob Mrva added 76s and John Pagano an 80 for the Pioneers.

Junior Alex Landry posted a 75 to the lead St. John’s Prep, which matched Xaverian with five scores of 79 or better. BC High was fourth in 321, with Catholic Memorial (360) in fifth and Malden Catholic (386) sixth.

“It’s a fickle game. Sometimes it’s your day and sometimes it isn’t, and sometimes you are on the right side of some good fortune,” said Lambert. “You are looking at two shots out of six guys playing 18 holes. That’s two lip-outs somewhere out there on the course and that’s the difference.”

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3oxJLdS