SBCC freshman David Aarons fired an even-par 72 on Monday to overcome a six-stroke deficit and take medalist honors in the Point Conception Invitational at La Purisima GC in Lompoc.
Aarons, a former Santa Barbara High standout, finished at 148 in the two-day tourney at Marshallia Ranch and La Purisima. He beat Etsuyuki Fukaya of Citrus by a stroke. It’s the second tournament win for Aarons, who also captured WSC No. 2 on Feb. 13 at Alisal Ranch.
Jeff Blystone shot a season-best 74 for the Vaqueros (23-9), who finished third in the seven-team field. Ventura won with 768 strokes, followed by Glendale at 780 and SBCC at 784.
Kyle Rieb carded an 80 for the Vaqueros and Thomas McLendon had a hole-in-one on the 13th during his round of 83.
“I was happy we came back and passed a couple of teams (going from 5th to 3rd),“ said coach Chuck Melendez. “It’s great to see different people stepping up in each round.”
Santa Barbara will take next week off before hosting the North-South Invitational on March 18-19 at Hunter Ranch in Paso Robles.
Pt. Conception Invitational
1st round at par-72 Marshallia Ranch
2nd round at par-72 La Purisima
Team — 1, Ventura 380-388–768. 2, Glendale 389-391–780. 3, SBCC 391-394–784. 4, Hancock 388-399–787. 5, Citrus 390-401–791. 6, Bakersfield 416-424–840. 7, El Camino 418-427–845.
Individual — 1, David Aarons, SBCC, 76-72–148. 2, Etsuyuki Fukaya, Citrus, 70-79–149.
SBCC scores — Aarons 76-72–148, Jeff Blystone 82-74–156, Thomas McLendon 78-83–158, Kyle Rieb 80-80–160, Trevor Gorski 75-85–160, Forrest Iverson 90-83–173.
