Warriors aiming lower

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WEST CHICAGO -- It doesn't get much closer than this.

The Neuqua Valley boys golf team got a pair of 2-under par 69s from co-medalists Stephen Powers and Kyle Geist on Thursday at the Upstate Eight Conference Meet at St. Andrews, but coach Spike Grosshuesch still had some anxious moments before learning his Wildcats had squeaked out a one-stroke victory -- 296 to 297 -- over St. Charles East.

District 204 rival Waubonsie Valley had four players shoot in the 70s, like the Saints, but settled for third with a 309.

"That's a good score, but it won't be good enough Tuesday," Warriors coach Dave Owles said, referring to next week's loaded regional at Orchard Valley that will feature all the Class 3A Aurora and Naperville schools along with Wheaton Warrenville South. "We didn't play badly, but no one went low."

Junior Thomas O'Bryan shot 76 to tie for seventh and lead Waubonsie.

"I had a double bogey on the first hole and last hole," he said. "I hit it pretty well, but hit it 30 yards over the green on the first and 16th holes. I guess the wind gusted.

"On the good side, I almost made a hole-in-one on the par-3 third. It was an inch from the hole.

"Most of our guys played 16 or 17 good holes of golf but had one or two that hurt us."

The Warriors counted a 77 from Brian Salerno and 78s from Josh Stafanski and Alex Koulos.

"Two 69s is awesome, but we needed every stroke," Grosshuesch said. "I was hoping for a little more balance and a little more depth, but I'll take it."

With their third straight win, the Wildcats were able to retire the tournament trophy. Combined with a perfect 11-0 record in league dual meets, they also nailed down the league's overall team title.

Neuqua Valley also counted a 78 from John Young and 80 from Joe Jensen.

St. Charles East got a 72 from Jordan Wetsch, who took third individually. Jon Woods and Wes Apple each shot 74 to tie for fourth and the Saints also counted a 77 from Tom Laudadio.

"We've played them three times and it's been dead even," St. Charles East coach John Stock said of Neuqua, with a shake of his head. "I hope it's our time next time."

The UEC powers travel to different regionals Tuesday but could meet again at sectional with a berth at state on the line.

"St. Charles East beat us in a tournament in Peoria early in the year when we finished 1-2," Grossheusch said. "We beat them on the fifth score (tiebreaker) in regular-season play and here by one stroke."

Playing in its first UEC meet with a lineup of underclassmen, Metea Valley took 10th with 350. Bill Finnerty led the way with an 82 and Michael Loffredo shot 86.

East Aurora shot 407 to tie Elgin for 11th but gained the edge on the fifth-score tiebreaker. Sophomore Kevin Baumann and senior Sam Nunez led the Tomcats with 98s.

"It's a vast improvement over last year," East coach Ken Fron said. "We were 61 better than last year in the city tournament and I think we were at least 30 shots better here. It's a great group of kids, they just didn't start golfing when they were 6."