What a difference a few matches makes.
The Swampscott golf team continued its streak of strong play Friday afternoon, taking down Northeastern Conference foe Salem by a score of 50.5-21.5 on the road at Olde Salem Greens. After struggling out of the gate this season, the Big Blue has begun to get into a groove.
“Our first two matches were not indicative of how our guys performed during tryouts,” said Swampscott coach Jason Knowles. “After some range work and some minor tweaks, I feel like now we’re playing to our full potential.”
Winners on the day for the Big Blue included Lou Spellios in the No. 3 spot (7-2), Nate Stern in the No. 4 spot (5.5-3.5), Will Roddy at No. 5 (8.5-0.5), Jason Bouffard at No. 6 (8.5-0.5), Brendan Sheehan at No. 7 (7.5-1.5) and Nate Maercklein at No. 8 (7-2).
“Our captains, Danny DiLisio, Aidan Graciale and Nate Stern have been excellent role models for our younger players this year, and that’s really contributed to our winning streak,” said Knowles. “Lou Spellios is continuing to roll at the No. 3 spot after playing great all summer. He’s a big reason for our better play of late as well.”
Salem’s winners were Ethan Doyle in the No. 1 spot (6-3) and Bobby Jellison in the No. 2 spot (5.5-3.5).
“Ethan and Bobby really got us off to a great start (Friday) and they’ve been great leaders for us this season,” said Salem coach Tom Doyle. “We had a few guys out of the lineup, but other guys stepped up and played well in their place. Guys keep improving everyday, and that’s all you can ask for.”
“I was really impressed with Ethan and Bobby today,” said Knowles. “They’re great golfers and they’re very tough to beat on their home course.”
Salem (0-3) takes on Beverly Tuesday back at Olde Salem Greens.
“We’ve got a great group of guys here and they all enjoy being around each other and working together, and that’s half the battle,” said Doyle. “Obviously this is a hard game, so we’re just hoping the guys stick with it and keep working hard to improve as we move along.”
Swampscott (4-2) will look to make it five in a row when the Big Blue take on Beverly Wednesday afternoon (3:30) at Tedesco Country Club. Swampscott fell to Beverly by just one point in their previous meeting last week.
“We’re really looking forward to a rematch against Beverly,” said Knowles. “They only beat us by one point in our first meeting and now we get them on our home course, so we’re excited to see how it goes.”
