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Wins Adding Up For Cougar Golfers
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Escalon’s Danny Bava lines up a putt during a practice round prior to recent competition at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club. The Cougars played through tough conditions this past week to get several wins.

In a week that saw the Cougars get out on the golf course every day, the boys had a successful run, notching some key league victories and showing well in an invitational.

“We started our busiest week of the season with the Yellowjacket Invitational at Diablo Grande. We came in second in a field of 24 teams, from all over the Central Valley,” said coach Ron Gutierrez.

The Cougars were led by Nathan Sarkozy at 82, followed by Dan Bava 88, Mathew Spurgeon 90, Steven Gately 95 and James Wentzell 107.

“Tuesday we visited Modesto Christian at Modest Muni and came away with a win, Escalon 222, Modesto Christian 307,” Gutierrez noted.

Sarkozy carded a 38, his best round of the season to date, and close behind was Spurgeon at 41, his best round. Gately shot a 44, Bava 46, Wentzell 53 and Ian Gregg, 53.

Wednesday, it was a trip to Spring Creek to visit Ripon.

“A great team from Ripon battled to a close match,” Gutierrez said, with the Cougars winning 244-248. “Tough course, tough conditions.”

Bava came in with a 44, Sarkozy 48, Spurgeon 49, Gately 51, Wentzell 52 and Max Mello 66.

Thursday, the Cougars were finally able to play a match on their home course, the Oakdale Golf and Country Club. They hosted Hughson and edged past the Huskies, 223-230.

This time, it was Bava leading the way with a 37, the best round of the season for any Cougar golfer. Sarkozy had a 44, Wentzell fired a 46 for his best round of the season, Spurgeon had a 47, Gately 49 and Mello 60.

Friday we had a make-up match with our toughest opponents, Ripon High and came away with a win, 226-235,” said Gutierrez.

Sarkozy and Bava each carded 40s, Spurgeon shot a 45, Gately 47, Wentzell 54 and Gregg 55.

The week was a tough one, with matches every day, and playing under some difficult weather conditions.

“I was very proud of how hard our boys battled,” Gutierrez said.