‘Hounds, Hawks ready for season’s back nine

0
52

The Naugatuck and Woodland golf teams have reached the midway point in the season and both teams are looking to hit their stride heading down the stretch drive before the Naugatuck Valley League tournament.

Naugy (3-3) ran into a pair of the top teams in the NVL early this week and came out on the short end of both. The Greyhounds lost to Sacred Heart, 183-189, on Monday at East Mountain before falling to Watertown, 161-206, on Tuesday at Crestbrook.

Greyhound sophomore sensation Nick Tribanas was the medalist against the Hearts, shooting a 3-over 39 as the top card of the afternoon. Matt Schumacher and Brandon Waldron both knocked in 48s and Matt Jackson hit a 54.

On Tuesday, Jackson fired a 48 while Tribanas had a 49, Tom Karas carded a 54, and Schumacher posted a 55.

Tyler Sounanthanam and Dan Capone have also recorded solid scorecards this season to give the ‘Hounds a little bit of depth as they head down the final stretch of the season before the playoffs.

Woodland (3-7) also met up with a pair of NVL frontrunners this week, losing to Holy Cross, 164-188, on Monday at Oxford Greens before dropping a 165-193 decision to Torrington on Tuesday.

“We have a real young team,” Woodland first-year head coach Bill Carangelo said. “In fact, two of our top players are freshman. But the kids are working hard to get their scores down and hopefully we will be a little more competitive later in the season.”

Woodland freshman Mike Erickson shot a team-best 42 to lead the Hawks against the Crusaders. Will Flormann hit a 45 with Pat O’Dell recording a 47 and Dave Hardy finishing it up with a 54.

On Tuesday, Erickson and Pat O’Dell tied for the team lead with a 42 while Hardy posted a 54 and Flormann carded a 55.

Andy O’Dell and Matt Greggis have also been competitive for Woodland as the team nears postseason play.

Naugatuck and Woodland are looking for strong performances Thursday in the first-ever Woodland Invitational at Oxford Greens.

“We are hosting our very first Woodland Invitational and we are pretty excited about that,” Carangelo said. “We have 18 teams participating in the 18-hole event. It should be a real good test for all the teams participating.”

Following that tournament, Naugatuck will host Wilby on Monday before visiting Holy Cross on Tuesday. Woodland will host Watertown on Tuesday before both the Hawks and ‘Hounds meet up against at next Wednesday’s Stigberg Tournament.