OAKDALE – Entering the match, both programs stood with undefeated Valley Oak League marks, but after nine holes of play East Union was left coping with its first league defeat and the Mustangs sitting alone atop the VOL standings following a 208-225 loss.
East Union (5-1) got superb rounds from underclassmen Will Brink and Jordan Duvall, both carding 5-over-par 41s. The pair would be the only two Lancers to finish in the low 40’s,
“I got out of a sophomore and a freshman exactly what I really needed,” East Union head coach Dennis Wells said. “And my No.1 and 2 players just didn’t bring it today.
“Without them bringing in what they should have, we had no chance.”
Oakdale (6-0) did more than they needed to do on its end, getting a medalist honors performance from freshman Ian Stogdell. Stogdell shined brightly in his big-match debut, outshooting Mustang No. 1 Austin Whitworth by two strokes. Oakdale also got a 40 from senior Kyle Derby and a pair of 45’s from Danny Wong and Conner Gust.
“Oakdale played really good and they have a great little freshman (Stogdell),” Wells said. “I was very impressed with the kid. He is a good player and of course, Austin is a good player.
“I was impressed with their team over there, they played really well.”
Lancer Kyle Harman turned in a 45, Tanner Bragg shot a 47, and Guillermo Barajas rounded out East Union’s round with a 51.
The Lancers will have to make some immediate adjustments heading back into their VOL schedule, with a tough trip up the hill to Sonora waiting on the squad Tuesday.
“We have a lot of things that we are going to have to work on,” Wells said. “The short game is really killing us and we have to get better with course management. That’s what we’re really going to be working on over the next week or so.
“Hopefully, we can get it together before we go up to Sonora.”
Nick Gonzales continued his recent hot streak, finishing with medalist honors with an even-par 37, including his second eagle in as many days.
Gonzales sank his second shot on the par-4 hole No. 2, laying the foundation for the match’s best round. Kenny Summers finished a stroke off the pace, shooting a 38, while Chris Pinpin (51) and Davey Tolbert (53) followed Summers. Brandon Vilaysak shot a 56.
Jay Butler’s 61, followed by Cedric Starling (63) and Gilberto Duran (67), led the Spartans.
Sierra (4-2) was led by Chase Hunter’s medalist round of 35. Paul Michaeleto was a stroke back with a 36, followed by Miguel Dominguez’ 37. Drew Allen finished nine holes in 38 swings, while teammate Kasey Milan rounded out Sierra’s scorecard with a 41.
The Timberwolves will try and continue improvements when they travel to Stockton to take on Weston Ranch at Van Buskirk Golf Course Tuesday.
