Fitch golf hands Boardman first loss

By Greg Gulas

sports @vindy.com

HUBBARD

When Austintown Fitch and Boardman met back on Aug. 27, the Spartans earned a 153-156 decision over their All-American Conference divisional foe.

Falcons head coach Andy DeNiro felt like they left shots on the course that day, shots that he felt could have been difference-makers.

Not even a steady mist could put a damper on the Falcons’ play on Thursday at Deer Creek Golf Course.

Joey Shushok’s shot a 34 while Zack Bobonick carded 36 as the Falcons won 147-160 Thursday in AAC Red action.

It was the first loss of the season for Boardman (13-1, 8-1) as Austintown Fitch (11-2, 7-2) was able to avenge one of its two league losses.

“It was a close match the last time we played so we felt as though we needed to keep our focus with the motivation to give them their first loss this year,” Shushok, who never three-putted during his medalist round. “Last time I could have putted better while today I felt as if putting was my strength. A win like this gives us much needed momentum with the league tournament set for Monday.”

With six seniors on this year’s roster, the first-year Falcons coach said the tradition has been building for the last several years.

“We didn’t play our best the last time we met Boardman but today each player executed and that was the key,” DeNiro said. “In our division, any team on any given day can beat anyone so this was a nice win for us. We’ve played really consistent all year and we wanted this win as we prepare for Canfield [today] and then the league tournament on Monday.”

Bobonick, whose 36 tied the Spartans’ Brian Terlesky for the day’s second best round, said the win is a confidence builder.

“We beat a really good Boardman team today and to give them their first loss this season gives us added momentum as we move forward,” Bobonick said. “I birdied the first hole and never three-putted, which was big. I just want to continue to putt well and drive accurately as we head to the AAC tournament.”

DeNiro said Shushock and Bobonick played exceptional in bad weather.

“After shooting 42 on Monday against Howland and then carding 39 against Warren Harding this past Tuesday, both sub-par performances for Joey [Shuchock], he played really well today while Zack [Bobonick] has been very consistent the last six or seven matches,” DeNiro said. “He’s our closer so it’s no coincidence that he shot his best round of the season today.”

Spartans coach Ron Moschella said his team will learn plenty from today’s match.

“Take your hats off to Austintown Fitch because they played exceptionally well,” he said. “For Joey Shushock to shoot 34 in this weather is one tremendous effort. Golf is a humbling game and while you never like to lose, we understand that we didn’t play our best and must learn from this as we prepare for the rest of the regular season and league tournament.”

The AAC tournament will take place Monday at the Trumbull Country Club.