In golf every shot counts. This is true no matter the matchup or competition, but it is especially true as the match comes to a close. As the last two Westfield players came to the ninth tee, there was no room for error. Summit was leading by one stroke, and Westfield had not yet established which four scores would count.
After a few anticipatory minutes of calculating scores, Westfield had their top four in the likes of seniors James Dunn and Ethan Delforte and juniors Toby Zipler and Jack Paterson. With 34 strokes from Dunn leading the Blue Devils, they were able to secure a one-stroke lead over Summit, 155-156.
This was a huge win for the Blue Devils, bouncing back from a tough loss to Oratory Prep the day before. Also, the win was before one of the season’s highlights, the Red Devil Invitational, which was on Friday. Head Coach Ryan Daly understood exactly how important the momentum for the Blue Devils would be, hoping to take home a win on Friday. “We really wanted to play well today. We knew Summit was going to be a tough team, and they played great. And for us to get a win by one, we are very grateful and appreciative.”
Paterson and Dunn were first to finish for the Blue Devils. Dunn’s final score led the Blue Devils, and scoring an impressive 34 left him feeling satisfied with his performance. “It was a good day on the course, didn’t miss many greens and putted pretty well.”
While Paterson did not feel as great as Dunn walking off the ninth green, he knew it was just one day of golf. “I didn’t have a great day, but I’m hopeful about tomorrow.” He went on to explain that he has felt solid about his recent play overall, and he knew he would bounce back in the Red Devil.
Delforte ended up sneaking into the third spot for the day. After a devastating two-stroke penalty on the fifth hole, he needed to play consistently if he wanted his score to count. With strong iron shots and strategic lag putting, he scored a 40 on the day. Moving into the Red Devil he wanted to keep morale high. “We’ve got some momentum going in. There were a few shaky holes out there, but the boys got it done and it feels great.”
The boys still have a few tough matches to close out their season, but with strong performances and a deep roster, they look like solid contenders rolling into championship season.
