By Cameron Dubin and Jake Freudberg
Sports Reporters
The Newton South Lions went 1-1 against DCL rivals this past week with a win on the road against Bedford and a loss to Lincoln-Sudbury at Newton Commonwealth Golf Course.
The Lions faced Bedford at an unfamiliar course but squeaked out a win despite not playing to their full potential.
“We pulled out our third win,” said Sam Canavan, the lone sophomore on the varsity golf team.
However, the prior match proved to be much more difficult for the Lions, as they faced a Lincoln-Sudbury team with incredible talent.
“We didn’t play that badly,” said Feinberg. “[Lincoln-Sudbury] is just a really strong team.”
Junior Alex Pearce led South with 19 points against Bedford while seniors Michael Marget and Jason Lange chipped in impressive performances as well.
The Lions, who sit at 3-5, have five matches left in the regular season. After challenging DCL foe Boston Latin, they will face Concord Carlisle, try to win a rematch against LS, and play a competitive Westford team that stands at 8-1. South will host Cambridge to conclude their fall campaign with hopes of qualifying for the state tournament..
“If we win [a few contests] we could get into states,” said Feinberg.
In order to win these final matchups, players see one way to be successful.
“[To win these matches] we need to work together as a team,” said Canavan.
In order to work together as a team, the Lions must communicate with each other at a better rate, especially when playing at unfamiliar courses, according to the players.
This can include relaying information about different holes such as lies, slopes, speed of greens, and any other facts that can help members of the team who have not previously played at that hole. The elder, more experienced members of the group can help less experienced players select a club or recommend the swinging power that gives them the best chance to score on a particular hole.
“[The team must] play a little smarter, not hitting drivers and going with irons [an easier club to control],” said Feinberg.
The Lions hope to squeak into states in the final stretch of the season, and once there, anything could happen.
