Magical finish at NEC Open

MARBLEHEAD – By the time the Northeastern Conference Golf Open concluded on Thursday evening at Tedesco Country Club, the moon was glowing in a darkening sky. The stars however, were down on the course in the form of 22 players who competed in the 18-hole tournament.Marblehead?s Pitch Riley, a senior, shone brightest of all, after defeating Wes Milbury of Danvers in a one-hole playoff, the first in tournament history.The duo shot matching 74s in their regulation rounds (par 70) before Riley made par at No. 1, sinking a tricky putt before Milbury lipped out his counter to continue the playoff. Riley was forced to wait things out after finishing his round with a beautiful 25-foot par putt, before Milbury reached the 18th green.?It was a lot of anticipation, just sitting and watching, but I played such a great round that I was going to be content no matter what,” explained Riley of his thought process. “I did everything I could out there, so the rest was on Wes, and he did a great job in keeping his composure.”Danvers coach Jeff Avigian was in charge of the event and was overwhelmed with how the day played out in its entirety.?We had a tie six years ago, but a second trophy was ordered instead of a playoff,” explained Avigian. “The coaches got together in the following years and decided on having a playoff and we were fortunate enough to see one today; it was a special moment.”Milbury?s teammate Mike Plansky finished third, shooting a 76, just ahead of English?s Matt Sencabaugh (77). Nolan Franey (Peabody) and Mike Rich (Winthrop) tied for fifth with matching 78s. Marblehead?s Owen Picariello also broke 80, firing a 79.?I think all the coaches would agree that the quality of golf being played over the years is getting better and better,” said Avigian. “In the past, a 74 would win by itself rather easily, but we saw two of those today as well as some other low scores. The sport really seems to be growing.”Salem?s Madison Ballou was the only female on the course and more than held her own, a feat Avigian had much praise for.?I thought she played very well today and struck the ball well,” he explained. “She got into some trouble but did a good job recovering. She?s only a junior, so we as coaches are looking forward to seeing her for another year.”Other notable rounds included an 81 from Shamus Desmond (Beverly), matching 82s from Desmond?s teammate Josh Cairns and Anthony Springthorpe (Swampscott), and an 84 from Classical?s Brett Erelli.Curtis Quinn (Gloucester), Peter Wright (Swampscott), and Matt Correale (Peabody) all finished with scores of 86.Just as noticeable as the talent level on the course was the sportsmanship displayed between the players who were sent off in groups of three. Riley spoke on the bonding experience.?A lot of these guys were upperclassmen who I have played with a lot over the years, so everyone seems comfortable with one another,” Riley said. “Everybody has respect for each other out here and enjoys seeing one another succeed.”