GOLF SPORTS SHORTS, 2014
For a simple overview of scores and upcoming games, check the Spring sport box scores, 2014 for dates, opponents and times for all Eagle sports.

Be sure to visit the 2014 boys’ FC golf home page, for all matches, stats and standings. The Eagles are currently 1-2 overall and 0-0 in the West Sequoia League. Eagles will next play Reedley at Sherwood Forest Golf Course, March 6.

Eagles kicked off the spring season with three matches: Kerman (FC 203, Kerman 239 ), Feb. 20, Central (Central 203, FC 210 ), Feb. 25, and Yosemite (Yosemite 208, FC 212), March 4. While FC dominated Kerman, FC came very close with other competitors despite the loss due to early season adjustments.

Yosemite match

While the match against Yosemite was close throughout, the sixth man on Yosemite, Spencer (last lame unknown), played exceptionally well against his FC counterpart. However, the Eagles lost, 212-208, March 4.

Head coach Jeff Hopper realized the weaker part of the lineup is where the team lost their lead.

“We got victimized today right where it is so easy to lose a Division II match, at the back end of the lineup,” Hopper said. “Through the first five players, we had a comfortable lead, but their sixth man went very low (40) for a sixth man and gained 12 strokes on us. This is where we will need to keep practicing and get stronger. With Trevor {Beal} out for the first time this season, he was still a bit green. Soon he’ll be back in full form.”

According to coach Hopper, FC players slowly yet surely finding their pace in the game.

“Even with these leaders, at the D-II level victories often are won at the back end of the lineup,” Hopper said. “I like what I am seeing there. Jason is finding his game and Christian {Saylor}, Chris {Grossman} and Trevor {Beal} will soon be tuned up after their late starts coming in from soccer and basketball.”

Since his sophomore year, senior Jason Kim admits his shortfall after the match against Yosemite.

“Although I was previously playing well for a few rounds, I kept slicing the ball to the right and could not fix it during the match play,” Kim said. “I hope to remedy the situation with further practice and making less mistakes. It was more than just one bad hole that created the loss for us.”

Central match

FC traveled to their Riverside Golf Course to take on Central High School, Feb. 25. The Eagles lost their first match of the season to the Grizzlies, 210-203.

“This was another inquiry match,” Hopper said. “We found out about the quality of one of our top Division II North Area competitors. Central showed us that while they are good, we are in their range. Though we were short-handed, with Chris Grossman and Trevor Beal focusing on the basketball playoff game, we put up a quality score and were well within the range of any given day.”

While the two teams will not meet again until the Area Tournament, both will have an opportunity to improve until it matters the most.

“This was a loss, but in many ways it felt like a good day,” Hopper said. “Daniel {Cliff} and Michael {Cliff} led the way, which is what we will need all year, making plenty of pars and staying away from big trouble.”

Kerman match

The campus season began at the Madera Municipal Golf Course against Kerman, Feb. 20.

While they have not played for months, Christopher Grossman and Christian Saylor, joined the team with unexpected results. They both shot well with Grossman at 45, and Saylor shooting 44, providing stability and confidence to the team.

“This was an important opening inquiry against a team that has been a good match for us in the past,” Hopper said. “Early in the year, you’re trying to figure out which teams in the division have gained ground and which have lost ground. We found out today that we have gained ground, while Kerman’s graduate losses have left them in a rebuilding phase.”

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For more sports, read the March 5 article, Tennis sport shorts: Coalinga.