Golf

Greens grace

Lady Bulldogs glide by Ellenville;

Bulldog boys remain unbeaten with win over Fallsburg

By RICHARD A. ROSS

richardross@rivereporter.com

CALLICOON, NY — Winning on the greens is fast becoming a way of life for Sullivan West’s golf teams. On May 7, the Lady Bulldogs downed Ellenville on the front nine at the Villa Roma by the score of 163-184 with Jillian Fife leading the way with a match-high score of 51.

Meanwhile on the back nine, Sullivan West’s boys team kept its 9-0 perfect league record alive with a win over Fallsburg (see story segment below).

Claire Stabbert was close behind Fife as she shot 53. Rachel Dickey completed the threesome with a 59. Ella McDonald played along for the ride, but her score didn’t count into the mix.

Following a tough 162-167 loss to Monticello on May 5, the Lady Bulldogs’ only league loss to date, the trio of golfers bounced back against the Lady Blue Devils to run their record to 4-2 (4-1 OCIAA).

Ellenville was paced by Morgan Craft, who shot 60, and Rebecca Cohen, who posted 61. Maggie Jorge completed the threesome with a score of 63 par on the front nine at the Villa Roma 35.

Sullivan West extends its unblemished league record with win over Fallsburg; Dawgs come up short against Warwick in non-league play

“It’s déjà vúe all over again,” as Yogi Berra would say when it comes to describing the exploits of the Sullivan West’s boys golf team, which includes Melanie Kleiner, as compared to last year. In 2007, the Dawgs buzzed through their league matches and emerged undefeated, beating Tri-Valley by handing the Bears their only league loss of the year.

Now 9-0, following more than a 20-stroke win over Fallsburg (244-265) on May 7, Sullivan West seems bent on repeating last year’s magical run, as a previously postponed match against Tri-Valley still looms at Tarry Brae. It will determine which team gets to hoist the banner.

Justin Armstrong seemed resigned to not having had his best day with his four-over-par 40, while Kleiner said, “I was in a slump, but I’m coming out of it.” Kleiner’s 47 topped teammates Mike Hahn (50), Brandon Peters (52) and Luke Tonjes (55). The Bulldogs’ overall record improved to 13-3.

For their part, Fallsburg golfers made the best of a beautiful day by working on improving their strokes and viewing the 1-9 (1-8 OCIAA) season from a realistic perspective. “Wait ‘til soccer season,” smiled Chris Elliott, who knows when it comes to playing on the pitch, the Comets are apt to be a lot more competitive against their Class B counterparts.

Rich Elliott (42) paced Fallsburg, and Chris Elliott finished next with 49. Kyle Geraine shot a 54, while Ari and Noah Borko each shot 60.

Armstrong’s 40 equaled that shot by Warwick’s Tim Horton, but the Purple Wave’s other golfers came in far below the rest of the Bulldog pack, as Warwick bested Sullivan West 212-224 in a non-league match. The rest of Warwick’s teams finished as follows: Rich Lenihan 41, Jack Laskkow 42 and Luke Johnson 49. Warwick’s record improved to 13-1.

In addition to Armstrong and Kleiner, Sullivan West’s other score included a 43 from Artie Norden, 45 from Kevin Correa and 49 from Steve Smith. It was only the third loss of the season for the Bulldogs.

Visit riverreportersports.com for an album of photos from the boys and girls matches.