Dennis Wells hoped for a sub-190 score.
He gladly settled for 197.
East Union’s boys golf coach came away pleased despite his team’s failure to reach his lofty expectations in a Valley Oak League win over Sierra at Manteca Park Golf Course Thursday. The Lancers shot their best round in a live match on their home track in a 197-227 victory while keeping pace with conference co-leading Oakdale.
“I can’t complain. I am really happy with how the guys are coming around from top to bottom,” said Wells, who said the team has shot as low as 185 in practice rounds at Manteca Park. “We’re finally getting what I’ve been trying to get out of them all year, and now is a good time to do it.”
East Union (11-1, 14-1 overall) had two players finish below par. Low medalist Will Brink shot 2-under 35, and teammate Jordan Duval trailed by a stroke. Sierra’s Drew Allen, the 2011 league MVP, ended up with a 38.
Also scoring for East Union were Zach Couch (41), Evan Lewis (42) and Jordan Lund (43).
The Timberwolves themselves had a solid round as they continue to improve. Chris Schmitz followed Allen with a 41, Esley Green and Blake Settlemoir each with a 44, and Matt Rose a 52.
East Union competes in the Tracy Tournament at Diablo Grande Monday before capping regular-season play against Tuesday and Weston Ranch later next week.
Sonora 209, Manteca 247
Barrett McLaughlin was the low finisher with a 40 in Sonora. The Wildcats had no score higher than 45.
Leading Manteca (5-7) was Justin Morrish with a 41. Also scoring were Tim Baker (48), Davey Tolbert (52), Brandon Ramirez (53) and Ray Tinnin (53).
“Sonora played a solid round from front to back in their lineup,” Manteca coach Dave Fontanilla said. “We had just one guy, Justin, on his game, but I’m proud of our guys. They grinded out a respectable score on a course that has always been a tough track for us.”
Trans-Valley League
Ripon 206, Modesto Christian 226
The Indians (6-3) posted another impressive team score with Thursday’s effort at Modesto Municipal Golf Course.
“I’m really excited for the kids,” Ripon coach Chris Musseman said. “They’re playing as a team, which we hadn’t done all year until recently. They’re picking each other up and it’s showing. We followed our 205 at Spring Creek from Tuesday with a 206 today at Muni — those are scores we can compete with.”
Making up Ripon’s team score were Nick Mendonca (39), Zach Capel (41), Kyle Head (41), Jason Williamson (42) and Nick Sharp (43). Mendonca chipped in for an eagle on the par-four sixth hole.
Modesto Christian’s Kyle Intorf was the top individual with a 2-over 37.
Southern League
Ripon Christian 196, Gustine DQ
At Jack Tone Golf Course, Kyle Colyn picked up first-place points with a 3-over 34 for the host Knights (7-1). Jesse DeRousse followed with a 35, while Andrew Manes (41), Austin Alger (43) and Tristin Vos (43) accounted for the rest of the team strokes.
Bryce Rocha led Gustine (0-8) with a 43. Gustine was disqualified for not fielding a five-man roster.
