Vaqueros in fourth at Bakersfield Invite

Dodge Ward fired a 1-over 73 on Monday at Seven Oaks CC, leading SBCC to fourth place after the first round of the Bakersfield Invitational men‘s golf tournament.

Ward, a freshman from San Marcos High, is in third place. Matt Boberg shot 74 and Reese Hutchins recorded a 79 for the Vaqueros, whose entire roster is comprised of freshmen.

Canyons grabbed the lead in the 10-team field with a 10-over 370. Ventura is second at 373, followed by Reedley (375), SBCC (387) and Hancock (388). John Everson of Reedley was the medalist at 1-under 71.

“We’re an inexperienced team and considering this was our first time out, it went pretty well,” said coach Chuck Melendez, who’s starting his 11th season. “Our goal is always to have everyone in the 70s and we came within a few strokes.”

The final round will be played Tuesday at Rio Bravo CC, starting at 8 a.m.

Bakersfield Invitational

First round

At par-72 Seven Oaks CC

Team — 1, Canyons 370. 2, Ventura 373. 3, Reedley 375. 4, SBCC 387. 5, Hancock 388. 6, West Hills 391. 7, Bakersfield 392. 8, Citrus 398. 9, El Camino 412. 10, Fresno City 425.

Medalist — John Everson, Reedley, 71.

SBCC scores — Dodge Ward 73, Matt Boberg 74, Reese Hutchins 79, Kyle Rieb 80, Jeff Lester 81, Erik Price 82.