It all comes down to the Trans-Valley League Tournament.
With two wins over Orestimba Wednesday, Ripon High’s boys golfers are locked in a four-way tie atop the conference standings. Escalon, Hilmar and Hughson also wrap up the regular season with 9-3 records.
The deciding tournament takes place Monday at Poppy Ridge Golf Course in Livermore.
The Indians have to like their chances after producing their best nine-hole rounds Wednesday. They played Orestimba in a doubleheader at Diablo Grande’s Ranch Course in Patterson, carding an impressive 197 score on the front nine and a 201 on the back half. Orestimba was disqualified for not fielding a full team, but it would not have mattered.
“That was the best two nine-hole rounds I’ve seen in my six years coaching, and I’ve had some pretty good teams,” Ripon coach Chris Musseman said. “The kids absolutely lit it up today.”
Kyle Head and Nick Sharp were co-medalists in the first match with 2-over 38s. Zach Capel and Nick Mendonca each turned in a 40, and Cole Herrin finished with a 41. Jason Williamson’s throw-out score of 42 was only four shots off the lead.
The second nine was led by Sharp’s even 36. Mendonca (39), Head (40), Capel (43) and Williamson (43) followed.
Valley Oak League
Sierra 223, Lathrop 342
The Timberwolves got an even-par round of 37 from Drew Allen and cruised to an easy victory at Manteca Park Golf Course.
Allen was followed by Blake Settlemoir and Chris Schmitt’s 45. Alex Orr turned in a 46, while both Matt Rose and Esley Green shot rounds of 50.
The Timberwolves (4-10) close out the season at the VOL Championships Tuesday at Diablo Grande.
“It’s Drew’s senior year and I think he’s playing good at the right time,” Sierra head coach Jeff Williams said. “He is really starting to strike the ball well. As a team we are mostly freshmen and sophomores, so we’ll see how we do.”
Junior varsity
Ripon 215, Hilmar 267
The Indians collectively pieced together a nice round at challenging Stevinson Ranch Golf Club.
Jack Brierly led the way with a 39. Robby Figeroid and Brock Herrin each finished with a 43, Anthony Matthews followed with a 44 and Nathan Suender rounded out the team score with a 47.
