Jonathan Collins’ one-over 72 at Montecito Country Club was key to Santa Barbara High’s 397-400 victory over Ventura on Thursday.
The Dons’ narrow margin of victory gives Santa Barbara its second Channel League win of the week by a combined eight strokes.
The decision brings Santa Barbara, which is seeking its seventh straight league title, and Ventura into a tie for first place at 4-1.
“We talked extensively about how this was going to be a very close match and we knew with first place Ventura coming in, they were deep and going to play well against us,” reported Dons head coach James Bedard. “We were fortunate to walk away with a win today as Ventura is a very good team with a lot of depth. I’m very proud of our team and excited to see what the rest of Channel League has in store for us.”
Collins’ round was highlighted by birdies on the 6th, 9th and 15th holes.
Greg Robarge led four Ventura players in the 70s with a 74.
James Morton’s 79 gave the Dons two golfers with sub-80 scores.
The Dons won the match on the back nine. Down four strokes at the turn, solid play down the stretch -especially from Morton – brought Santa Barbara the win.
SB SCORES: Jonathan Collins 72, James Morton 79, Brandon Crane 80, Ryan Stoll 80, Austin Coombs 86
VENTURA SCORES: Greg Robarge 74, Cord Morosin 79, Matt Thomas 79, Greg Brown 79, Drew Morosin 89
