Extra matches await boys' golf this season

Adam KummerStaff WriterBoys’ golf is participating in more tournaments this season, creating a more competitive experience when entering league play, according to captain Ryan Hicks (’15).“Because of [the additional tournaments,] we have made an effort to improve our practice habits from the end of last year,” Hicks said. “We feel that caused our poor play at the end of last season.”The team finished last season losing against Palos Verdes by a single stroke, and tied for third place in league with North Torrance. This has motivated the team to practice with a new drive and determination, according to golfer Alex Sepulveda (’13).“Since we are doing more tournaments this year, the team is going to have to practice way more,” Sepulveda said. “We have been preparing a lot during the preseason, and we are out on the course practicing five days a week. [The team is] just going to have to be ready both mentally and physically to perform at a high level.”According to team member Vito Sipila, the team is able to participate in more tournaments because of the increase in funding.“[We are able to do more] because of the extra money raised in the preseason, as each tournament has a hefty entry fee for each team,” Sipila said.According to team member Kai Kobayashi (’15), participating in more tournaments will give the team an edge over their competition in league games.“[The additional tournaments] will give us more experience and help us feel more comfortable with competition,” Kobayashi said. “Once we start league matches, it will make us more experienced than the other teams.”However, more fundamental changes are coming with the golf team this year. According to Sepulveda, not only has their game schedule become more robust, but their mind set has as well.“I feel I can speak for the other two seniors when I say that the three of us really want to come through in our last season and win league,” Sepulveda said. “Overall, I feel that the team has a new confidence in itself and we feel that the we have a successful season ahead.”akummer@thesamohi.com