La Salle cruises to PCL win over Lansdale Catholic
WHITEMARSH >> Coming into the season, La Salle golf coach Marty Jackson was concerned about his talented team’s lack of experience in Philadelphia Catholic League play.
The Explorers looked like seasoned veterans Wednesday afternoon, defeating Lansdale Catholic, 234-287, at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club to improve to 5-1 this year.
“We played well as a team today,” Jackson said. “We did not play well on Monday. So we had two bounce-backs — yesterday we played well and we played well again today. We had four guys in the thirties. Right now TJ (Chaykosky) and Buddy (Hansen) are playing really well. And the freshman Steve Lorenzo.”
Juniors Chaykosky and Hansen led the way to victory as the members of La Salle’s second foursome. Chaykosky shot a match-best 37 and Hansen followed right behind with 38.
“All they need is more experience in league play,” Jackson said of the juniors. “They are playing really well for us this year. They really are playing terrific.”
Both players birdied the third hole and Hansen also birdied the sixth.
“I hit two shots within a foot for birdie,” Hansen said. “So that really helped me. Driver hit almost every fairway and my putter was good.”
“I was putting pretty well,” Chaykosky said of his game, “and I had a couple nice chip shots.”
The two juniors really opened up La Salle’s lead. After the first foursome, the Explorers led by seven strokes. Chaykosky and Hansen extended that advantage to 36 strokes.
Lorenzo also shot 38 for the Explorers.
In the first foursome, La Salle’s Frankie Gregor shot 39 and Brent Schoeller shot 41.
The loss drops Lansdale Catholic to 1-3 this season.
“It’s disappointing,” LC coach Mark Daley said. “We’re a very young team. The majority of the team are sophomores and freshmen. Marcus (Janinck) — our senior, two-time All-Catholic — played well, shot 40. But I’m pleased with the progress right now. Development is important right now for the team. Overall it’s just a young team that needs time to grow.”
Joe Walsh joined Janinck in the Crusaders first foursome and shot 47.
La Salle 234, Lansdale Catholic 287
La Salle: Brent Schoeller 41, Frankie Gregor 39, TJ Chaykosky 37, Buddy Hansen 38, Matt Acker 41, Steve Lorenzo 38.
Lansdale Catholic: Marcus Janinck 40, Joe Walsh 47, Brendan Clark 50, Sean Leahy 46, Rob Schimony 51, Pat Gillan 53.
Top Photo: La Salle’s Buddy Hansen tees off during golf match against Lansdale Catholic at Whitemarsh Valley Country Club on Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2016. (Gene Walsh/Digital First Media)
