by Greg MacDonald
Sports Editor
After opening the season with losses to Point Loma and Chapman, the University of La Verne golf team began the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) with a win over the visiting Redlands Bulldogs, 326-331, on Monday.
Sophomore Paul Gomez shot a second-best 75 while teammate junior James Torpey had the third lowest score of 76.
With his 75 against Redlands, Gomez’s three game average is 76, which includes his 75 on Jan. 28 against Point Loma and 78 on Feb. 4 at Chapman. He has led the way for ULV in each of the three matches.
“Right now, he is our best player,” head coach Rex Huigens said. “Paul [Gomez] certainly hasn’t played as well as he can play either. I think that is one of the nice things that Paul has done. He hasn’t played his best and yet he has found a way to score OK. So I am pleased with Paul so far.”
Although a number of players are new on this year’s team, Huigens feels his team will have good team balance.
“We are not a dominating team and yet we will not be dominated,” he said. “Our chemistry is pretty good. They are pushing each other and supporting each other at the same time, which I think is great.”
In their opening match of the season, the Leopards fell four strokes back in their 314-318 loss to Point Loma at ULV’s home course of Sierra La Verne.
The par-71 Sierra La Verne course offered problems for senior Steve Lenett, freshman Don Martin and Torpey, as each of them shot a 42 or higher on the back nine.
Point Loma’s team was very balanced, as the six players scored no lower than 81 on the course.
La Verne’s first road match of the season, at Chapman’s Tustin Ranch course, turned out to be another close decision. The Leopards finished five strokes off the lead, 326-331.
The final nine holes proved once again a killer, as ULV was out shot 237-248.
The Leopards tee off at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday against Cal Tech at Sierra La Verne.
“Our depth I think is going to be better [than last year’s team],” Huigens said. “I think we can finish anywhere in the top four [in SCIAC]. There are a number of good teams in our conference.
“It’s a little like basketball. You better show up and play well every single match because if you don’t you can get beat.”
