Naugy shooting for title

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Naugatuck’s Nick Tribanas led the Greyhounds over Woodland May 19 and has Naugy poised to make a run at the NVL title. –FILE PHOTO
Naugatuck’s Nick Tribanas led the Greyhounds over Woodland May 19 and has Naugy poised to make a run at the NVL title. –FILE PHOTO

NAUGATUCK — The Naugatuck golf team is in the hunt for a Naugatuck Valley League title.

The ‘Hounds are off to a 10-6 start following a seven-stroke victory over Woodland May 19 and a split the following day. Nick Tribanas shot a medalist-winning 39 against the Hawks at the par-36 Hop Brook Golf Course in Naugatuck.

Naugy also received solid rounds from Tyler Sounanthanam (41), Dan Capone (47) and Jake Alcorace (48). Brendan Waldron shot a 51.

“I keep telling the guys that we control our own destiny,” Naugy head coach Craig Blanchard said. “We have a legitimate chance to win it all.”

Tribanas has been the Greyhounds’ steadiest player. He also shot a 44 at East Mountain against Sacred Heart, a 41 at Farmingbury Hills against Wolcott and a 42 in a nine-stroke win over Torrington.

“Nick has played very well this year,” Blanchard said. “He’s likely an All-Copper selection and he probably needs a few more rounds under 40 to make All-NVL.”

Blanchard also noted Sounanthanam’s round of 41 on Monday. He had a team-best 43 in a three-stroke loss to Sacred Heart last week.

“Those are great scores for Tyler,” Blanchard said.

Waldron has also posted a couple sub-50 rounds recently. Blanchard said the best may be yet to come for him.

“He’s been playing well, but he hasn’t hit his stride yet,” Blanchard said of Waldron.

Capone has been steady with his short game to compliment the rest of Naugy’s lineup, Blanchard said.

Naugatuck split a meet May 20 at Crestbrook Golf Course in Watertown, falling to Watertown but beating Crosby. Tribanas paced the ‘Hounds with a 44 while Sounanthanam checked in second with a 48.

Before the league championship on June 5 at the Watertown Golf Club, Naugy can still gain ground on NVL competition. To do so, Blanchard said the ‘Hounds will need to get more improved play from the fourth and fifth spots in the lineup.

In addition, the team must perform better on the road, away from the friendly confines of Hop Brook.

“The teams that win away matches are the superior teams,” Blanchard said.

Naugatuck will host St. Paul on Tuesday before concluding the regular season with away matches at Torrington (May 29) and Holy Cross (June 3).