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Sports

Lynbrook Golfers Win Conference Title

Owls head to county tournament after undefeated season.

Entering the 2011 golf season, Nassau Conference I figured to be a two-team race between Hewlett and Lynbrook. Hewlett, the 2010 league champion, was returning its entire starting roster, while the Owls returned junior Matt Hirsh, who competed in the state championships in 2010, and junior Luke Reilly.

But, 2011 was Lynbrook’s year to shine. The Owls clinched the conference title with a 7-2 victory over Hewlett on the front nine at Woodmere Country Club on May 11. Hirsh shot a three-over-38 to lead the Owls.

The following afternoon, Lynbrook (12-0) capped off its undefeated season with 9-0 victory over Calhoun. Alec Stern, the team’s only senior and freshman Anthony Rodriguez both shot a 5-over par 42 for Lynbrook.

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Head coach Josh Berlin said he was proud of his team. “Coming into the season, one of the goals was to take the league championship,” Berlin said. “The guys went out and earned it. This team is a lot of fun to work with. Their work ethic is very impressive. On the course, they’re respectful of the game and of their opponents. I’m very proud of them.”

The Owls got off to an amazing start to the season and never looked back. The team ran off five consecutive shutout victories over Mepham, Valley Stream, Long Beach, Calhoun, and Bellmore JFK.

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This set the stage for a battle of unbeatens. Hewlett had been equally dominant and came into the match with a 6-0 record. The Bulldogs were led by senior Taylor Heath and junior Austin Huth. Both golfers averaged under 40 in 2010, and Heath was coming off an even-par 35 at Woodmere in a shutout over Calhoun.

While neither team played its best, Lynbrook emerged with a narrow 6-3 victory. Reilly shot a two-over-38 on the front nine at Seawane as the Owls took over sole possession of first place. Heath shot even par to lead Hewlett. The teams were separated by just three strokes.

As expected, both teams rolled through their schedules to make the second meeting a pressure-filled match. With Hirsh leading the way for Lynbrook, and Hewlett perhaps feeling the pressure of defending its title, the Owls took care of business to sew up league supremacy for the second time in three years.

Hirsh and Reilly both earned All-County honors. Sophomore Dean Sisun picked up Honorable Mention All-County recognition. Stern, Rodriguez, and sophomore Michael Pearsall were named All-Conference recipients.

Next up for the Owls is the Nassau County team tournament at Bethpage State Park. The tournament is composed of the top 14 teams in the county. Farmingdale is expected to run away with the team title.

Berlin is excited about the post season. “I'm anxious to see how we perform among the best golfers in the county," Berlin said. “Last season it was a pleasure to watch Matt go to the state tournament and play so well. He puts so much work into it. When we’re not practicing, he’s training. He never takes a day off. It would be nice to see Matt make a return appearance, and to see Luke get there as well.”

Check back tomorrow for an update on the county championships.

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