Hillers hold their position on top
Hopkinton repeats as champion
MARSHFIELD – Throughout the season, Tri-Valley League MVP Matt Epstein has been the focal point for Hopkinton.
But yesterday the supporting cast rose to the occasion to help the Hillers successfully defend their Division 2 state title at the Marshfield Country Club.
Mitch Marcou and Ryan Lundy turned in terrific performances, each shooting a 3-over 75 to lead Hopkinton to a second state championship in as many years. The Hillers finished with an overall score of 310, topping runner-up Danvers by 6 strokes.
“It feels awesome to come in low and help the team,” Marcou said. “Matt as a leader has been phenomenal. … As much as it is an individual score for everybody, we all play as a team, which is awesome.”
Marcou got off to a rocky start when he double bogeyed his first two holes, but he regrouped and collected birdies down the stretch to finish strong.
Lundy matched Marcou by utilizing strong drives and sticking to the fairway to make a major impact. Epstein wasn’t too far behind his teammates, shooting a 79.
It isn’t the first time Hopkinton has won back-to-back state titles, as the Hillers accomplished the feat in the early 2000s when they were led by current pro golfers Keegan Bradley and Jon Curran.
“It’s really special,” said 39thyear Hopkinton coach Dick Bliss. “I was blessed and I am blessed. In 2003, 2004, we won it back-to-back with the greatest player I’ve ever coached and these kids have been a part of that legacy and we want to be like them.”
Central Catholic’s Josh Lavallee checked off the final box after winning the Merrimack Valley Conference tournament and tying for first in the North sectional, taking home the individual state title with a 2-over 74.
Lavallee said strong chips and putts aided in his victory and helped ward off Marcou, Lundy and Nauset’s Myles Walther by a stroke each for the crown.
“It’s a dream come true,” Lavallee said. “This one was last on the road, so it felt good to win this one.”