Golfers clinch a share of Big 8 title with tournament victory

The FLC men's golf team clinched at least a share of the 2016 Big 8 Conference title with their victory in Tournament #15 at Chardonnay Golf Club on Wednesday afternoon.  The Falcons have one tournament remaining and have an 8-point lead over Santa Rosa; they can win the title outright with anything better than a last-place finish on Monday.  Once again, it was the Falcons' depth that earned the victory as they defeated Santa Rosa by two strokes (379-381).   This time, it was the number 3, 5 and 6 players that stepped up to secure the victory.  Sophomore Matt Shirley, who had been in a slump recently, was the tournament medalist with a 73.  Freshman Chris McKnight and fourth-year sophomore Nick Fowler (yes, the Comeback Player of the Milennium) both finished with solid 75's on a day when the wind registered in the high 20's.  "It's nice to see that we can rely on just about anybody to step up when needed," noted coach Barry Zarecky.  "Our depth is our strength."

The title is coach Zarecky's third conference championship in his seven years coaching at FLC. 

                Team Scores                                                      FLC Individuals

                Folsom Lake                       379                         Matt Shirley                       73

                Santa Rosa                          381                         Chris McKnight                  75

                American River                 425                             Nick Fowler                        75

                Sierra                                    431                         Mason Troike                    76

                Napa valley                         Incomplete                Eric Olsem                           80

                                                                                          Connor Scott                      81