GOLF
By Tim Falls, Sports Editor
Chris Boutote and his teammates on the Lawrence High School golf team seem to be in the swing of things at just the right time.
Boutote posted par scores in back-to-back matches right before the Mercer County High School Golf Tournament at Mercer Oaks yesterday.
”Chris, in the last couple week’s, he’s gotten back to where he was at this point last year,” said Lawrence golf coach Gregg Zenerovitz. “He found his swing and is playing good golf right now.”
Likewise, Lawrence has been recording lower team scores in wins against Nottingham, Northern Burlington and West Windsor-Plainsboro North.
Zenerovitz said his players have put together strong scores consistently in their past few matches.
”With consistency comes confidence,” said Zenerovitz.
Boutote shot a 36, par at Miry Run as Lawrence defeated Nottingham, 200-240, on Tuesday.
”Chris had another great round,” said Zenerovitz. “In two rounds, back-to-back he shot even par.”
Greg Wrobel and Dave Schillaber each shot a 39 and Gene Piccolo and Ryan Cusimano each finished with a 43.
Boutote also finished even par with a 35 at Princeton Country Club as Lawrence defeated Northern Burlington, 196-230.
Wrobel shot a 38, Schillaber and Kwon each carded a 42 and Ryan Scott shot a 49.
Schillaber led as Lawrence edged West Windsor-Plainsboro North by a stroke.
Schillaber shot one-over par, with a 37 at Mercer Oaks in the Cardinals’ 209-210 victory.
Boutote finished with a 40 in the win, while Wrobel and Kwon shot a 43 and Piccolo and Scott each shot a 46.
The win over the Knights could help Lawrence clinch the Valley Division title. Another win over WW-P North in Lawrence’s last regular season match could put the Cardinals over the top.
”Dave Schillaber came up big in our biggest match of the year,” said Zenerovitz. “It’s his first year in the program and he comes off North’s home course with a 37. He’s been a large reason for our success this season. He’s doing a great job.”
With Lawrence shooting in the low 200’s recently, the Cardinals appear ready for the rigors of tournament play. Along with playing in the Mercer County Tournament yesterday, Lawrence (11-5) qualified for the NJSIAA sectional tournament at Running Deer golf club on Monday.
Zenerovitz said Lawrence athletic director Ken Mason was a big help by setting up a practice round on the course for the Cardinal golf team on Saturday.
”It’s huge when you can go to a course and practice it,” said Zenerovitz, who was especially appreciative because of the younger players on the team who have yet to play in states. “Running Deer is not and easy course, but Ken Mason is taking care of us.”
Results from the Mercer County golf tournament were not available in time for this week’s edition.
After the state tournament, Lawrence hosts Allentown on Thursday and plays Pemberton on Friday. The Cardinals take on Montgomery on Monday, May 19 and face WW-P North at Green Acres Country Club on Tuesday, May 20.