By Andrew Gundal
Sports Reporter
On Tuesday, September 20th, the Newton South golf team brushed Wayland high school aside, winning by a whopping thirty points. Senior captain Mike Pasqualini led the way for the Lions with two birdies in another strong outing.
Sophomores Nick Aicardi and Jack McGrath helped the Lions storm past the warriors with strong shots on difficult par fives. Both Aicardi and McGrath pared on the second hole, a par five and the most difficult hole on the Newton Commonwealth course. Most golfers have a tough time on this hole.
“McGrath was able to hit a very good second shot, and made birdie. The rest of the team also played this hole well and most players made par,” sophomore Zane Foster said.
The Lions had the edge in the match due to their home field advantage. After knowing the course well, the Lions were able to execute their putting and driving especially well. Knowing the way the greens break can turn a bogey into a par.
On long par fives, Newton South was able to understand how much power to put on a drive, depending on what obstacles might lie in the middle of the fairway.
South was unfazed by Wayland’s impressive record and their ability to put up points. After coming off a big win against Concord-Carlisle, the Lions had the right mentality coming into this important match.
“I think we were just all aware that Wayland were beatable so I think that was a good thing for our psyche to know that we should win.” Pasqualini said.
It was a surprise to many how easy the match actually turned out to be.
“It was comfortable which isn’t how it normally is with Wayland since they’re normally really good,” Pasqualini added.
Even though the Lions were without senior captain Naomi Honig, they were still able to go out and play their best. “I think we were all just able to go out there and click all of us performing to our abilities and put together a good performance collectively,” Pasqualini said.
Golf is an individualized sport, and everyone on the Newton South team has their own game plan. Whenever someone gets off track, they are able to find their way back into their groove.
Everyone played well and the team is looking strong going into the playoffs. They look to improve their record with upcoming matches against Waltham next Thursday.
