Need to win final three to make tournament
Published in the October 12, 2018 edition.
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
NORTH READING — All of a sudden, a high-stakes, six-match win streak doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
The Warriors, still fighting tooth-and-nail for a spot at states, beat Saugus for their fourth win in a row on Wednesday, 55-17.
Having previously defeated Saugus on Oct. 4, Wakefield got out the irons on their home course of Thomson Country Club with plenty of confidence.
Buoyed by match wins for all eight golfers, the Warriors easily cruised to victory, and perhaps just as importantly, continued to sharpen their skills on the uniquely narrow fairways of Thomson as they prepare for their final two matches of the season, first on the road against Watertown, then at home against a talented Arlington team. The Warriors and Spy Ponders were supposed to play yesterday, but due to the rain, will now play on Oct. 17.
Against Saugus on Wednesday, The Warriors were strong from top to bottom.
Sophomore Jack Ryan shot a team-low 39 to defeat his opponent 6-3.
Sophomore Luke Hopkins shot a 40 in the No. six spot for a resounding 8.5-.5 victory.
Sophomore Oliver Miller also shot a 40 from his No. three spot for a 7-2 win.
The senior captains were also on target as Tommy Galvin hit a 42, winning 7.5-1.5 in the No. two hole, while Juliette Guanci shot a 43, winning 7-2 in the No. 5 spot.
Sophomore Cal Tryder hit a 44 in the four-hole, winning his match 6.5-2.5.
Sophomore Howie Melanson (7-2) and junior Luke Roberts (6.5.-2.5) anchored the win with victories in the final group.
There is something in the October air for the 2018 Warriors, who entered their match against Stoneham on Oct. 1 with a 1-6 and needing to win all six of their remaining matches to accomplish their preseason goal of a spot in the state tournament. Four wins later, including a massive victory against first-place Melrose, and the Warriors need just two more to accomplish the task.
Don’t bet against them.
