Boys’ golf loses two early matches after rain delays season

Sophomore Matthew Chang lines up his next shot.

The mostly veteran team got off to a rough start with two losses and one tie.

Due to heavy rains and unpredictable weather this month, the boys’ golf team has seen several matches canceled and struggled to win when they’ve gotten onto the course.

As of March 17, the team had played three matches. A match against Lynbrook on March 16 ended in a tie at 189-189. In a home match against Los Altos on March 13, the Falcons lost 200-194. The team suffered a close 217-219 loss against Monta Vista on March 8.

“The team is almost identical to last year, so we haven’t lived up to expectations in terms of winning matches,” sophomore No. 3 Aidan Smith said. “We’ve all been a bit nervous, and luck has also played some part.”

Despite the rough weather-challenged start, the team is hopeful toward future matches. The season has been relatively uneventful, given the continuously postponed matches and the familiar teammates. According to senior No. 2 player Sankalp Aswani, the team this year is stronger than the last, as everyone improved during the off-season.

Under Coach David Gragnola, the Falcons are working to adjust back to the game mindset. While the training has paid off, their main focus is on playing to their fullest potential under pressure.

“We have the skills, but maybe not the mental strength when it comes to winning against stronger teams,” Aswani said. “The games were close and I think we have the potential to bring it back in the next few games.”

“The golf team is likely to compete for the league title even after a 0-2-1 start,” said Gragnola. “The players returning from the 2021-22 team have the skill and experience to make it to CCS.”

Ultimately, making it to CCS finals is their ultimate goal. To achieve this lofty aspiration, the team aims to consistently encourage one another, as well as offer feedback and constructive criticism. Relying on key players such as Smith, Asawni and senior No. 1 player Howard Shu, the team looks toward an away match against Cupertino High School on March 27.