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06/06/2023 02:03 PMWhile it had to share the spotlight in the winner’s circle, for the first time in four years, the Hand boys’ golf team found itself back at the summit of the Southern Connecticut Conference.
On May 30 at the SCC Championship Tournament at the Farms Country Club, the Hand boys’ golf team shot a collective score of 315 for its round to earn a share of the conference crown with Cheshire. The tie at the top marked the Tigers’ first SCC crown since 2019, as Hand was also runner-up to Fairfield Prep in 2021–missing out on a title share on that occasion by a stroke (323-324).
Head Coach Jim Holleran commended his group for following the team’s motto and main objective for the entire 2023 season by peaking at just the most opportune time, while additionally proving their dedication to the craft by getting in critical swings and rounds away from squad practice sessions.
“From Day 1 of our season, I have stressed to our players the need to improve, and they have bought into it,” said Holleran. “The result of the effort that they put in showed up today. The guys put a great amount of time into practice away from our team practices. Many extra rounds of 18 holes and driving range sessions went into the result today.”
Senior captain Reece Scott and junior Kasimir Lesnik each made the All-SCC Team. Scott paced the Tigers with a round of 74 for the par-72 course, and then Lesnik was not too far behind in the clubhouse by turning in a scorecard of 76. Scott was only five strokes off the pace of match medalist AJ DePaolo, who earned a three-under-par 69. Freshman Kyle Beaudry (shooting an 80) and senior Matt Gagliardi (sporting an 85) also contributed to Hand’s success on the day.
Rounding out the team standings were Xavier in third with a score of 322, Amity in fourth at 325, plus Branford found fifth with a team round of 330. Additionally, Shelton was sixth (331), Notre Dame-West Haven finished seventh (335), Guilford came in eighth (with a 336), and North Haven nailed down ninth place at 349.
Holleran added that while the Tigers were also tussling with an entire field of SCC teams rather than solely the Rams, Hand avenged a defeat against Cheshire from back in April and did not succumb to any anxiety of performing on a big stage.
“I was very impressed with our play today. A month ago, Cheshire beat us on the same course by
17 shots,” said Holleran. “To be able to make up that difference today is a testament to the competitive nature of this team. I don’t think there was pressure today because it was a postseason tournament. I think the pressure came from within the players to show that they were better than that outing on April 27.”
Sporting a 12-3 regular season record, the Tigers next turn their attention to the Division II State Tournament, which will be held on Tuesday, June 6 at Fairview Farms with an 8 a.m. tee time. As Hand looks to make it two-for-two in terms of attaining tandem postseason team titles, it knows it will take a full-on effort, but the Tigers will certainly not shy away from the tall order.
“We are rated No. 5 overall in the state, but we are also ranked No. 5 in Division II,” said Holleran. “Our work is cut out for us, but we embrace the challenge.”
The 2023 Hand boys’ golf team roster is comprised of seniors in Jonathan Dolph, Gagliardi, Scott, Owen Stuart; juniors of Cameron Becker, Lesnik, Nicholas Osterling, Maxwell Singewald; sophomores with Michael Marino, Matthew McManus; and freshman Beaudry.