(Whittier, CA) The Mt. SAC Men's Golf Team, led by sophomore James Johnson, continued its hot start with another second place finish. This one coming at the season opening Orange Empire Conference Classic, at the Candlewood Golf Course in Whittier on Monday (Feb. 3).
The 10-team tournament featured 51 golfers with Johnson (2-over Par, 72) tying golfers from Mt. San Jacinto and Cypress for second. The low medalist was Luke Bartram (69) from host college Cypress.
The Mounties (384) finished 10 strokes behind Cypress (374), who finished third at last years CCCAA State Championships.
"The team played in a cold blowig wind," replied Mt. SAC Men's Golf Head Coach Greg Osbourne. "James (Johnson) is playing well and is getting better every time. I'm so proud of him and the team.
"He started well, but started feeling the pressure towards the end. He overcame it and was able to finish without too much damage. I'm proud of him and his progress."
Mt. SAC was one of 3 teams (RCC and Cypress) that had all five of their placing golfers shoot in the 70's or below. The other four Mt. SAC golfers shooting in the 70's were: Thomas Chung (76), Benjamin Sander (78), Chu-Wen (Felix) Tsui (79) and Kotaro Noda (79). Blake Copeland finished with an 80.
Mt. SAC will take a week break from competition and will next play in the Eagle Golf Classic, at Soboba Springs Country Club, in San Jacinto.
Full team scores: 1. Cypress, 374; 2. Mt. SAC, 384; 3. RCC, 385; Irvine Valley, 387; 5. Palomar, 390; 6. Mt. San Jacinto, 399; 7. Saddleback, 409; 8. Cuyamaca, 435; Victor Valley and El Camino (No score).
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For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.