SBCC shot its highest round of the year on Thursday and Ventura took advantage to edge the Vaquero men’s golf team by one stroke and claim the championship of the North-South Invitational at Paso Robles.
Ventura entered the final round of the 36-hole, 10-team event three strokes behind its WSC rival. The Pirates won Thursday’s battle 374-378 to finish at 750. It was only the second tournament loss in six appearances for SBCC, which is ranked No. 1 in Southern California with a 71-2 record.
Santa Barbara’s Matt Siporin shot 1-under 143 (72-71) to claim medalist honors for the first time. He finished one shot ahead of teammate Andrew Perez (71-74) and Ventura’s Andy Anderson (72-72).
“We have a very good team and we expect to win every tournament,” said SBCC coach Chuck Melendez. “We lost by one and there’s always places in a round where you can find a shot or two.
“We had some bad luck. Steve Wilson (78-79) lost two balls that barely went out-of-bounds. Sometimes that happens in golf.”
The Vaqueros will play in the Canyons Invitational on Monday at Wood Ranch CC in Simi Valley.
North-South Invitational
At par-72 Hunter Ranch, Paso Robles
Final leaders (10 teams)–1, Ventura 376-374–750. 2, SBCC 373-378–751. 3, Bakersfield 389-382–771. 4, Sierra 394-380–774. 5, Glendale 390-393–783. 6, Mt. SAC 388-403–791.
Medalist: Matt Siporin, SBCC, 72-71–143.
Other SBCC scores: Andrew Perez 71-73–144 (tie 2nd), Albert Corral 76-73–149, Steve Wilson 78-79–157, Cameron Tennant 76-84–160, Charley Cerchiai 78-82–160.
