Golf tourney awaits Hawks, ‘Hounds

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NAUGATUCK — The Greyhounds are lurking.

The Naugatuck golf team is 7-4 nearing the end of the Naugatuck Valley League regular season, and head coach Craig Blanchard is happy with his guys.

“The guys have played well recently,” Blanchard said. “I’ve been pleased.”

On Monday, the ‘Hounds squared off with Woodland in a non-league exhibition match that Naugatuck won, 174-197, in poor conditions.

Naugy was led by Tim Fleck, who shot a 40 to earn the medal. Nick Tribanas followed with a 42 while Aaron Johnson shot a 45.

“The guys played OK,” Blanchard said. “It was typical of the weather that we had.”

For Woodland, Anthony Memoli shot a 43 while Mike Segala turned in a 44, Pat O’Dell carded a 45, and Steve Symolon shot a 65.

Blanchard praised Memoli, who has been Woodland’s leader throughout the season.

“Anthony’s a good golfer,” Blanchard said. “I was happy to win, but I was happy to see another golfer do well.”

On Tuesday, Naugatuck put up a strong fight against undefeated Wolcott, but lost, 168-176. Fleck shot a season-best 38 at Hop Brook while Tribanas and Johnson each carded a 45. Mike Leona and Colin Waldron turned in a pair of 48s.

“We were close,” Blanchard said. “That’s a closer match than I anticipated. Wolcott found Hop Brook a little tougher than they’re used to.”

Though Naugy is 3-3 in its last six matches, Blanchard has been encouraged by the quality of golf his team has played, especially after a win over Watertown on May 5.

“Overall I’ve gotta be happy with the season,” Blanchard said. “They defeated Sacred Heart and Watertown, which was a big match for the team.”

Woodland, meanwhile, fell to 5-10 on the season with losses to Northwestern and Thomaston/Wamogo on Tuesday. The Hawks shot a 212 compared to Northwestern’s 168 and Thomaston/Wamogo’s 170. Memoli led the team with a 40 while Pat O’Dell carded a 48, Matt Greggis shot a 60, and Andrew O’Dell turned in a 64.

Woodland hosted Wolcott today and will competein the Chappa Tournament on Thursday. Naugy hosted Crosby today on will play in the Chappa Tournament as well.

The NVL championships are scheduled for June 2 at the Watertown Country Club. Blanchard thinks Holy Cross and Watertown may have a bit of a home-course advantage heading into the tournament but thinks the Greyhounds have a chance to make their presence felt.

“Holy Cross has a couple of guys who play out of that club, so I think they have a little advantage,” Blanchard said. “If we play well and a couple of guys shoot well, we have a chance to squeeze into fourth or third place. You never know.”