By: Joey Fernandez, Sports Editor
The MVCC men’s golf season has been filled with success. Led by coach Matthew Lovelace, the team has driven up the rankings in conference with four consecutive second place finishes before last Thursday’s match.
Lovelace believes that this team would be the clear leader in conference most years if it weren’t for College of Lake County having the success that it has had. “Based on scores, we would be leading conference every year other than this one. Lake County is loaded this fall.”
As far as impactful improvements that have been the catalyst for the placings, sophomore Jack McDonald was the first example Lovelace cited.
“Based on scoring and leadership, I have seen his scores drop and he has taken a role helping some of the freshmen with their golf swings as well as offering advice while playing on the course,” he said.
With playoffs approaching in less than a month, the team recently traveled to Byron, Ill., to golf on the same course that they will play on for the regional championship.
On pace to finish second place in conference, the team is looking to strive for goals past their own conference such as qualifying for nationals.
photo by Marcus Collins
“It’s frustrating to finish second every time, but my guys are playing great golf.” Lovelace said. “We still have a great chance to qualify for nationals.”
The team’s last match led to a 7th place finish at the Skyhawk Invitational. Top scores on the team included Randy Miller (83), Jack McDonald (85), and Michael Smeraldo (88).
Mount Prospect Golf Club is the destination of the team’s next match for yet another conference outing on Sept. 22 at 12:30 p.m.
Regional championship golf will begin on Oct. 7 at the PrairieView Golf Club in Byron, Ill., as the Cyclones look to take another step towards their main goal.
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