On May 5, the Blue Devils traveled to High Bridge Hills Golf Course to compete in the North 2 Group 4 Sectional Championship. With 5 rounds consistently in the low 70s, the team was able to secure the trophy by 6 strokes over Hunterdon Central Regional. This momentum continued into the match against Scotch Plains-Fanwood, as they triumphed over the Raiders 147-160.
Earlier in the season, the Blue Devils fell to SPF, so this win proved their ability to fight back in their most recent appearance. Sophomore Chase Simms led the team with an even-par 35, followed by a pair of 36s from sophomore Jack Brouillard and Tommy O’Brien. Senior Nick Benson closed out the scores with a round of 40.
At the sectional tournament, Simms placed second with a round of 70 and used that confidence to put up a good score against the Raiders. “I made a bunch of birdies [on Tuesday], and that gave me the confidence going into today. Just do my thing. I know I have the game to go under par anywhere,” said Simms.
As always, Echo Lake proves to be a tough challenge for any golfer. Many players faced their own personal strengths and weaknesses throughout the round. Broulliard explained how he struggled on the greens, but his wedges prevailed for him today. “Recently, my wedges have been really good,” he said. “I just couldn’t putt. I think if I get the putting down, we’ll be good for Monday.”
This day also highlighted the last regular match of the season, which also happened to be held at the Blue Devils’ home course, Echo Lake Country Club. Head coach Ryan Daly said, “I think this was just a great team effort. It was something that a lot of the seniors were looking forward to because this was our last match at Echo Lake, and we had a beautiful day here. It was another tough, hard-fought match, but we luckily came out on top.”
After the match and a commanding victory for the Blue Devils, Daly is looking forward to the next. “You have to just be humble, stay humble and keep practicing every day. Every day is a learning experience,” he said. “Every day is a new day.”
The team chemistry has played a critical role in each and every match. Daly commented, “A lot of our guys have the right attitudes and the right mindsets, and they like competing, so I think the team chemistry is really good.”
On Monday at 11:00 a.m., the Blue Devils are back in action for the Tournament of Champions at Raritan Valley Country Club. With three new names on the lineup for TOCs, the Blue Devils will rely on both fresh talent and veteran leadership as they look to defend their Group 4 State Championship.
