The West Ranch boys golf team continued its quest for a Foothill League title and a trip to the CIF state finals with a comfortable win in the third league meet of the season at Sand Canyon Country Club on Tuesday.
The Wildcats finished with a team total of 387, followed by Saugus at 412 and Hart at 425. Valencia followed at 433, then Golden Valley with 464 and Canyon with 525.
“We’ve been in a slump as a team as well and we’re just trying to pull through and we just keep telling ourselves that we’re trying to get to CIF state at Poppy Hills, so trying to get those numbers lower and keep going throughout the season,” said the Wildcats’ Matt Monheim.
Monheim was also the day’s medalist, carding a 2-over for the win. His teammate Nick Fowlkes finished second at 5-over and West Ranch’s Ben Valdez and Ashton Lee tied with Saugus’ Jacob Valente for third at 6-over.
It was Monheim’s first medalist win of the season in the No. 2 slot for the Wildcats.
“I just feel like I’m swinging the club well right now and everything is coming together as a whole,” Monheim said.
Monheim said that club selection and putting were two keys to his success in Tuesday’s windy conditions. He didn’t have a bogey until hole No. 14.
“I’ve been in a little bit of a putting slump, but today I kind of pulled through and just grinded out on the greens and that really helped me out,” he said.
Monheim said he was impressed by Fowlkes’ performance as well. Fowlkes, a sophomore in the No. 6 spot, is in his first year on varsity after being at the front of the pack on last season’s JV team.
West Ranch is undefeated in team play in league this season, winning all three Foothill League meets. Two Wildcats have won medalist this season: Favian Busnawi won in the first league meet of the season in addition to Monheim’s win in the third league meet.
Foothill League boys golf competition continues on Tuesday, April 16 with Foothill League meet No. 4 at Valencia Country Club.
