Gregori golfers notch runner-up berth and advance to Section Masters

Here was Gregori High’s simple game plan at the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I South Golf Tournament: Solid scores from the best, and mix in a surprise or two.

The Jaguars executed that plan, and the result is their second straight berth to Section Masters.

“Real proud of all these guys,” coach Bradd Stewart summarized Monday. “They all stuck together. And there are lower scores to come.”

Gregori, the two-time reigning champion of the Modesto Metro Conference, earned its second straight runner-up finish behind Lodi at the divisional. Junior Chris Ebster stabilized the team at the top with a solid 1-over-par 73 more rock-steady than explosive.

Then again, he was paced by playing partner Brad Reeves, the polished Lodi senior who’s on his way to Arizona. Ebster matched or exceeded the Flames star off the tee, but there was no denying the all-around quality of Reeves’ 3-under 69 for medalist honors along with sophomore teammate Justin Gums.

Ebster stuck to some pre-tournament advice from his mom, local teaching pro Dana Ebster, the women’s record holder at Elkhorn (69): “Trust it.”

“It worked,” Ebster said. “I didn’t hit any (shots) out-of-bounds.”

Trouble lurks at Elkhorn, a short but narrow track that demands accuracy and precise ball-striking. Fortunately for the field of 77, the wind barely registered. Pars and birdies beckoned if players avoided the trees, the water and, yes, the white O.B. stakes.

Gregori delivered consistency. Greg Jalli, the team’s lone senior, posted an 80, and K.J. Dieker (79) and Ethan Hardy (86) kept the team’s scoring lid squarely in place. The surprise came from promising freshman Michael Doll, who dodged two opening bogeys en route to a Masters-clinching 77.

That left Gregori with a team total of 395, plenty good enough to extend its season. No one figured to beat Lodi (370) while St. Mary’s snared the third and final team Masters spot (412).

Another conspicuous qualifier for next week was three-time MMC Player of the Year Daniel Pena, the Johansen senior and 2015 divisional medalist. He wasn’t totally pleased with his 73, but The Reserve at Spanos Park – the traditional Masters venue – fits his power game. His scorching 66 to win at Masters two years ago was no accident. He had 71 there as a junior.

“I couldn’t take advantage of my distance today,” Pena said. “Hopefully, I’ll stick some wedges close next week.”

Turlock, which claimed its fifth Central California Conference title in the last six years, tied for fourth with Pitman. Both missed a Masters team berth by 24 strokes. Still, the Bulldogs will be represented next week by senior Bailey Old (80) and sophomore Preston Magina (81).

Two Buhach Colony golfers also advanced – Eric Barajas (79) and Justin Pasley (81).

Downey (462) finished sixth in the nine-team field, followed in seventh by Enochs (497).

D-III – Central Catholic senior Matt Robinson topped the field of 66 with his 1-under-par 71, and the Raiders claimed the D-III title with room to spare at Oakdale Country Club.

Central Catholic romped past the eight-team field with its 382, 15 swings better than runner-up Vista del Lago. Both teams advance to Masters. Robinson notched the day’s only subpar round, thanks to four birdies and an eagle at the par-5 17th.

The Raiders also were anchored by the even-par 71 by junior Nick O’Brien and a 74 by junior Michael Kelley.

“We were solid today. Oakdale was set up tough,” coach Matt Yonker said. “Matt, Nick and Michael had the top three scores of the day.”

No Stanislaus District players were among the three who qualified individually for Masters.

D-V – Ripon High freshman Connor Larkin birdied Diablo Grande’s 10th, 11th and 12th holes and captured the individual title with his even-par 71 (37-34) at the D-V tournament. Larkin, who recorded a 74 at the same course last week to win Trans Valley League honors, was eight swings clear of the field of 62.

Also getting one of the three Masters individual qualifying spots was Summerville sophomore Vince Boyack with his 81.

Bret Harte, which rolled unbeaten through the Mother Lode League, totaled a 441 and beat runner-up Ripon by 10 strokes for the blue banner and the only Masters team berth. Left-hander Mitchell Menzes had a 79 to lead the Bullfrogs.

This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 8:16 PM with the headline "Gregori golfers notch runner-up berth and advance to Section Masters."