Wildcats guided by Sager, McHenry in victory over Rams
KIMBERTON» It had been a year in themaking. But it had some very important business to attend to first.
Coming off a season-ending loss to Methacton in the PAC-10 semifinals last season, the Owen J. Roberts golf team had its sights set on getting back at the Warriors this time around.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Wildcats earned their shot, downing Spring-Ford 189-201 in the PAC-10 semifinal at Kimberton Golf Club (Par 34).
With the win, OJR will meet Methacton (193-208 winners over Pope John Paul II on Wednesday) for the PAC-10 title at Gilbertsville Golf Club Thursday afternoon.
Maddie Sager and Ward McHenry turned in the low rounds of the day, each shooting 2-over 36 for the Wildcats.
“It’s really exciting to get this win and have a shot at the championship,” said Sager, who finished with seven pars and two bogeys on the round. “We know Spring-Ford is a good team with a lot of good players, so to come awaywith a win is huge.”
Noah Calle followed close behind the leaders with a 38, while Ryan Glenn (39) and Matt Folk (40) rounded out the scores for OJR.
“We’ll have to all come through with some good scores,” said Sager of the championship Thursday against Methacton. “They beat us in the semis last year, so this is definitely a match we’ll want to bring our best.”
McHenry stressed the need to play smart and consistent.
“It’ll definitely be a challenge to try and knock off Methacton, but I thinkwe’re up for it,” said McHenry. “They’re a bunch of good players and they have a lot of playoff experience. If we can play mistake-free and post some good scores, we’ll see what happens.”
A season after losing to Methacton in the championship, Spring-Ford’s hopes at another shot came up just short.
Connor Boham led the charge for the Rams with a team-best 37 followed by Jack Straub’s 40. John Lumley and Jack Wilson each shot 41 while Ben Pochet rounded out the team scoring with a 42.
“My short game was on,” said Boham, who tallied six pars and three bogeys on the round. “I was sinking five-footers all day long and hitting my approach shots really well. All-around, I played pretty solid and didn’t leave any easy strokes out on the course.
“It’s tough, especially because we lost in the championship last season. I know we really wanted to get back and have another shot at it this year.”
The regular season didn’t prove enough once the dust settled as the top three teams found themselves in a three-way tie.
Edging Spring-Ford by just one stroke to earn the No. 2 seed in the seeding match Tuesday, McHenry says being able to play at his team’s home course definitely added an edge.
“It’s great to be able to have a playoff round at home,” the sophomore said. “We earned it (on Tuesday), and definitely used it to our advantage. This is a really tough course, so it definitely gave us an edge.”
“We know the way this course plays,” said Glenn, a freshman. “There are a few holes that you end up having to play it safe and play it short. That comeswithbeing able to play it all season and knowing what to expect.”
Now the Wildcats will have their much-awaited chance at Methacton, who they lost to by seven strokes earlier during the regular season.
“We’ve just got to play it like any other match we’ve played this season,” said Sager. “Even though they beat us during the regular season and in the playoffs (last season), we can’t be intimidated by Methacton. We’ve just got toworry about ourselves and posting good scores.”