Hammonton High School golfers open with three wins
HAMMONTON—Hammonton High School’s golf team saw its 2021 season start well as the Blue Devils posted victories in each of their first three matches last week.
Led by seniors Noah Petracci and Olivia Strigh, Hammonton defeated Millville, Egg Harbor Twp. (EHT) and Triton.
“We should be pretty good this year. We have some strong players returning and a few new ones who should have an impact,” Hammonton coach Matias Spahn said prior to the start of the season.
The Blue Devils did not play last spring, as the season was canceled due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
This year, the Blue Devils are glad just to be back on the course.
“It’s exciting. We didn’t have a chance to play last season, so we just can’t wait to play. I want to have a great senior season and help us win,” Strigh said.
Strigh, who earned a berth in the girls individual state championships in 2019, shot a 36 to help Hammonton win its season opener against Millville 164-223 at Pinelands Golf Club last week.
The senior’s 1-over score tied teammate Petracci for the low of the match. Petracci, who also shot a 36, competed in the boys state tournament in 2016 and is one of the top returning players in the Cape Atlantic League.
The two seniors helped Hammonton post the four best scores of the day against Millville, as teammates Luca Gherardi and Sam Mento shot 43 and 49, respectively.
Two days after beating Millville, Hammonton topped host EHT 168-204.
Petracci’s 2-over 37 led was the best score of the match, while Strigh finished with a 40.
Shane McSorley shot a 43 for Hammonton and Gherardi had a 48.
The week’s action finished with a match at Pinelands against Triton, which saw Hammonton post a 174-22 win.
Once again, Hammonton had the top four scores of the match, as Petracci and Strigh each shot a 39 to lead the Blue Devils to a win.
Gherardi shot a 45 and McSorley finished with a 51. Also for Hammonton, Mento shot a 53 and Conner Eberly had a 54.
Earlier this week, Hammonton hosted Oakcrest, but that match ended too late for this edition. On April 21, the Blue Devils host Lower Cape May at 4 p.m. The week continues against Ocean City at 4 p.m. on April 22, and concludes with a rematch at Lower Cape May on April 23 at 4 p.m.