With just a few weeks remaining in the regular season, boys’ golf snagged a crucial 208-231 victory against Aragon High School to improve the team’s record to 6-2-1 on Thursday, April 10. The home-course advantage and focused play proved to be key in the Panthers’ success.
“It was a strong showing overall, despite a few setbacks,” head coach Jon Ramirez said. “There were a lot of good shots. I think we had some players who played really well, some were still trying to bounce back from bad holes. But I think overall we’re still searching for a total of five guys to demonstrate that kind of consistency versus two or three guys. But like I said to the guys after, a win’s a win.”
Seniors Zachary Newman and Ian Lai shot one-over 37, while junior Ethan Cyb came in with a two-over 38. Their steady performances once again helped anchor the team’s win.
“Even with the win secured, consistency remained a key talking point,” Ramirez said.
Playing on their home course benefited the Panthers in both performance and familiarity. But not everything came easily—some players struggled with unfortunate breaks and missed opportunities.
“Leo [Jun] had a total of seven lip outs from the hole, which is just insane,” Lai said. “That’s not supposed to happen. But we still [have to work] on our mental game. I will say Leo was getting a little frustrated, which is understandable—no one wants to miss that much—but really, we’ve got to stay calm under all the pressure and the annoyance of the rounds.”
As the team inches closer to the postseason, the stakes are getting higher. Currently sitting second in the Peninsula Athletic League (PAL) Bay Division standings, the Panthers will need to win their next three matches to secure a spot in the PAL team competition.
“It’s definitely a challenge,” Lai said. “[We need to] keep scores under 40. The top four, the people who [play] one through four, really struggle—usually three of us will shoot in the 30s. But before, we just got to get all four under to have a good chance of beating Carlmont [High School].”
After the round, Ramirez emphasized the importance of staying mentally focused, especially as the postseason looms.
“I think it’s really important that we worry about us as a team, and not so much who we might be playing,” Ramirez said. “I think our worst opponent is ourselves. It’s not the people that we’re playing. It’s who we are as a team and how we play as individuals and collectively. Just got to continue to work harder.”
As they tee off in the final stretch of the season, the Panthers are aiming for more than just wins—they’re seeking growth.
“As for postseason, I hope we’re gonna win PALs and move on to [Central Coast Section] CCS as a team,” he said. “Last year, we made it to round two of CCS as a team. I don’t think that’s gonna happen, as much as I hate to say it. I just want us to all go individually as far as we can in postseason—whether that be PAL or CCS. Just give it our best.”
