By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Golfers' Solid Play Leads League
Placeholder Image
The Escalon boys golf team fell from the ranks of the unbeaten over the past two weeks, but they also won three very important Trans-Valley League matches. With the three wins and the loss, the Cougars moved their record overall to 10-1 and their league record to 7-1.

The 7-1 record gives Escalon a one-game lead over second place Ripon Christian.

The Cougar golfers began a string of four key league matches with a 180-186 victory over RC at Jack Tone Golf Course. The Escalon linksters were led by Austin Jackson's 34, 35's by the tandem of Ricky Mullen and Matt Jones, and a 37 by Donovan Gardner. Travis Hill pitched in a 39 to round out the scoring.

"This was a huge match," stated coach Rusty Fachner. "It gave us a two-game lead at the time and proved to be even more important when we dropped Thursday's match against Ripon Christian."

Fachner pointed out that it was once again the bottom of the line-up that proved to be the difference.

"Ricky, Donovan and Matt have been the best 4-5-6 players in the league. They have made the difference quite a few times this year."

Escalon followed up the win against RC with a convincing 221-278 win against Hughson.

"We got five solid scores in shooting our lowest total of the season at Oakdale," added Fachner.

Jackson once again led the charge with a five-over 41. Jones followed him with a 43, Gardner with a 45 and Hill and Mullen both at 46. Fachner was quick to note that Jackson had really begun to heat up in his last few rounds.

"Austin got hot like this last year, but it was a little later in the season. This year he's reached that same point a little earlier and we're hoping that he even gets hotter. We'll need him to lead us through the rest of league play."

Following the Hughson match, the Cougar golfers entered their repeat contest with Ripon Christian brimming with confidence. Unfortunately, RC popped Escalon's bubble with a 230-236 loss.

"I think we entered the match a little too confident," stated Fachner. "We got sloppy and shot some really high scores. Maybe we just play a little better when the pressure is on us. Guys, who had been steady all year, just didn't shoot well. That's golf."

Jackson continued his steady play with a 43. Mullen was right behind him with a 45. But a 48 by Adam Zolezzi, a 49 by Hill and 51 by Donovan Gardner delivered the Cougars their first loss. All of this set up a crucial match against Ripon at Spring Creek Golf Course, home of the Indians. Over the years, Ripon has been virtually unbeatable at home, so once again the pressure was on the purple and gold to deliver. Escalon responded with their best team effort of the year and a 216-224 victory.