Santa Barbara’s boys golf team gave defending CIF champion Servite a run for its money on its own course on Wednesday, ultimately falling 367-378 at Western Hills Country Club.
“The match was much closer than that,” said Dons head coach James Bedard, who pointed out that the two teams were dead-even after 14 holes. “They made some birdies, we made some bogeys to finish and that was the difference.”
Servite’s Patrick Cantalay went three-under on the par-72 course to be named medalist. Teammate Preston Valder also went under par with a 71.
“Those are the two guys that are on everyone’s radar,” Bedard said, noting that the Dons will see Servite multiple times this season. “For us, this is just round one.”
Jack Perry matched Valder’s one-under 71 to lead Santa Barbara and Ray Gerow was next with a 73. Sophomores Sean Searls and Mickey Kirby handled the course like veterans, scoring a 76 and 77, respectively.
The Dons (1-1) host Hart on Thursday before heading to Alisal Ranch on Friday for a five-way tournament hosted by Santa Ynez.
SERVITE 367, SANTA BARBARA 378
MEDALIST – Patrick Cantalay, Servite, 69
SERVITE – Cantalay, 69, Valder 71, Komin 73, Little 77, Manalo 77.
SANTA BARBARA – Perry 71, Gerow 73, Searls 76, Kirby 77, Lebow 81.
