WATERTOWN — The Naugatuck Valley League golf tournament was one of the most contested tournaments in years. Watertown, Torrington and Holy Cross all entered the match sporting 10-1 records.
The weather was picture perfect at the Watertown Country Club last Thursday but the playing surface was a bit more challenging. The fast greens and steady wind may have added a few strokes to the scores as only six golfers broke the 80 plateau.
Watertown managed to edge out Torrington for the title, 325-329. Wolcott managed the hold on to third place with a 350 and Holy Cross fell to fourth at 351.
The young Woodland foursome turned in an impressive showing, shooting a total of 374 to finish seventh as a team.
“All in all I thought we did quite well,” Woodland coach Bill Carangelo said. “If we could have dropped a stroke on each of the 18 holes, we could have broken into the top five.”
Woodland was led by Mike Erickson, who shot an 86, and Will Flormann, who posted a 93. Pat O’Dell also broke the century mark, hitting a 95, with Andy O’Dell finishing up with an even 100.
“I thought we finished up where I thought we would,” Carangelo said. “The weather was perfect and the kids went out there and gave it everything they had. There was a lot of tough competition with three teams coming in with 10 wins on the season. We finished the regular season at 4-7 but we were in most of the matches we played.”
Erickson’s and Flormann’s play at the league championships was encouraging to Carangelo.
“Both Mike and Will are the future of Woodland golf,” Carangelo said. “Mike does a lot of work in the offseason. If Will puts in the time on the greens this summer we can have a very competitive team next season.”
Naugatuck finished eighth as a team with a total score of 391. Nick Tribanas led the ‘Hounds with an 85. Brendan Waldron followed with a 100, while Matt Schumacher posted a 101 and Tyler Sounanthanam rounding out the scoring with a 105.
