LOCKEFORD — Ripon High’s boys golf team may be hitting its stride, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.
Led by freshman Andrew Bonner’s impressive four-under-par 68, which was good for medalist honors, the Indians edged out Bret Harte to win the six-team Al Croce Memorial Tournament Wednesday at Lockeford Springs Golf Course.
Ripon’s first-place score of 405 was four better than the event’s runner-up.
The Indians will take the momentum into today’s big Trans Valley League meeting with Escalon at Spring Creek Golf and Country Club. Ripon and Escalon are a part of a four-way tie for first place in the conference, with the other two top teams, Modesto Christian and Ripon Christian, also squaring off today.
“I think it’s huge. We needed a shot of confidence and we got that today,” Ripon coach Chris Musseman said. “Escalon is still the class of the league right now, but we have some kids who were struggling feeling it a little bit.
“If we can get that win (today) then we set ourselves up pretty good to make a run at it.”
Bonner’s varsity debut continues to get better. He racked up four birdies and eagled the par-five 18th hole, more than making up the bogeys on 12 and 17.
“Anybody who shoots four-under par at a place like Lockeford is pretty good, but to do so as a freshman makes it even more amazing,” Musseman said. “There just isn’t much more I can say about the kid.”
Ripon also got major contributions from Nick Mendonca, Josh Richter and Jordan Williamson, who turned in a 79, 80 and 83, respectively. Matty Gay capped the team score with a 95.
“They all played pretty well,” Musseman said. “Nick pretty much had the round of his life. He could do no wrong, and every putt seemed to fall for him.”
Led by freshman Andrew Bonner’s impressive four-under-par 68, which was good for medalist honors, the Indians edged out Bret Harte to win the six-team Al Croce Memorial Tournament Wednesday at Lockeford Springs Golf Course.
Ripon’s first-place score of 405 was four better than the event’s runner-up.
The Indians will take the momentum into today’s big Trans Valley League meeting with Escalon at Spring Creek Golf and Country Club. Ripon and Escalon are a part of a four-way tie for first place in the conference, with the other two top teams, Modesto Christian and Ripon Christian, also squaring off today.
“I think it’s huge. We needed a shot of confidence and we got that today,” Ripon coach Chris Musseman said. “Escalon is still the class of the league right now, but we have some kids who were struggling feeling it a little bit.
“If we can get that win (today) then we set ourselves up pretty good to make a run at it.”
Bonner’s varsity debut continues to get better. He racked up four birdies and eagled the par-five 18th hole, more than making up the bogeys on 12 and 17.
“Anybody who shoots four-under par at a place like Lockeford is pretty good, but to do so as a freshman makes it even more amazing,” Musseman said. “There just isn’t much more I can say about the kid.”
Ripon also got major contributions from Nick Mendonca, Josh Richter and Jordan Williamson, who turned in a 79, 80 and 83, respectively. Matty Gay capped the team score with a 95.
“They all played pretty well,” Musseman said. “Nick pretty much had the round of his life. He could do no wrong, and every putt seemed to fall for him.”
— Jonamar Jacinto
