Boys’ Golf: Laguna Beach steps up with big win over Estancia
Through seven holes on the front nine at Mesa Verde Country Club, Laguna Beach High junior Kyle Sharpe was feeling really good about his round.
He was at one-over amid winds and even when driving from the tips (near 3,500 yards for the nine holes). But Sharp struggled on No. 8, where he triple-bogeyed, and then he bogeyed No. 9. Still, he finished as one of three medalists in a key Orange Coast League matchup against Estancia.
Sharp shot five-over-par 41. Estancia seniors Dalton Manchester and Parker Ohland matched that score, but the Breakers, who have won the past two OCL titles, grabbed the big win, 220-233, on Tuesday.
“We all knew this was a big one,” Sharp said of the match against the Eagles, as both teams entered undefeated in the league.
Estancia (4-5, 3-1 in league) was without one of its top golfers, senior Jake Huber, who has been battling illnesses all season, Eagles Coach Art Perry said.
Huber earned medalist honors with one-over 37 at Mile Square in Estancia’s 209-253 win over Calvary Chapel on Thursday.
“Very impressive they could come and put up a respectable score without their No. 1 guy,” Sharp said of the Eagles. “Now we know when we play them at our home course, they will have their whole starting lineup and it will be tougher to beat them. This was good to keep our undefeated season in league going.”
Laguna Beach (5-3, 3-0) will meet Estancia again on April 26 at Aliso Viejo Country Club.
Laguna Beach Coach Sean Quigley said his players were excited to compete against Estancia in a battle for first place at Mesa Verde.
“The kids were really excited about this one,” Quigley said of his Breakers. “We know this is always a pivotal match. They know whoever wins this match it’s big. To win here is big.”
Quigley is also excited about the future. He expects to return all five starters in his lineup next year.
Sophomore Chase Gioffredi shot 43 for the Breakers on Tuesday. Junior Dante Fornaro finished at 44, sophomore Gus Morck 45 and Sharp’s twin brother Ben 47.
Quigley said Mesa Verde’s setup and the fast greens made for a challenging match against Estancia.
“We came in knowing we would not hit to our averages,” he said. “It was a good test of golf.”
Liam Wallington was second for Estancia with a 48, Ian Hopp shot 50 and Scott McCellan 53.
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Twitter: @SteveVirgen
