Consistency paid off for San Marcos’ Dodge Ward at Glen Annie on Thursday, where the Royals captured a pivotal 366-374 Channel League victory over Dos Pueblos.
Ward recorded 14 pars during his round of 69, which included three birdies and a single bogey.
Dos Pueblos’ top mark was Carson Curtis’ 71.
The result puts San Marcos (6-7, 4-2) into a second-place tie with Buena with Santa Barbara and Ventura left on its schedule for next week. Dos Pueblos (7-5, 2-5) was eliminated from playoff contention with the loss as only the top-two teams from a very strong Channel League make the postseason.
“Today was a great win for our team. Once again we had a great practice yesterday and it paid off today,” noted San Marcos head coach Dave Siordia. “Our team scores are finally starting to show how good we really are.”
Freshman Thayer White carded a one-over 72 and Kyle Rieb and Scott Bradford were just one and two strokes behind, respectively. In a reverse of fortune, John Etsell, who posted the Royals’ low score on Tuesday, was their high-man on Thursday with a 78.
After Curtis, the Chargers were clumped in the mid-70s. Michael Yi’s 74 was second-best, then Lane Fuller’s 75. Ryan Lynch turned in a 76 followed by Alex Kim’s 78.
SAN MARCOS 366, DOS PUEBLOS 374
Medalist – Dodge Ward, SM 69
San Marcos – Thayer White 72, Scott Bradford 74, Kyle Rieb 73, John Etsell 78.
Dos Pueblos – Carson Curtis 71, Alex Kim 78, Lane Fuller 75, Ryan Lynch 76, Michael Yi 74
