Golfers build momentum heading into the postseason

Ethen Freits is in the motion of taking a swing at the golf ball at the Manteca Golf course in, Manteca CA. (Photo Contributed) 

By ALDO MAGALLANES
The Tower

The Manteca High boys golf team picked up momentum late in the Valley Oak League season, showing consistency and stringing together strong performances as they competed against some of the toughest programs in the region. 

The Buffaloes’ growth was aided by strong leadership from senior Ethan Freitas and senior Cooper Chamberlain. The two led from the front, turning in some of their best performances down the stretch.  

Both golfers qualified for the Sac-Joaquin Section Division III tournament in Chowchilla, flirting with a rare Masters draw. 

“I think just staying consistent,” said head coach Eli Gibbs. “It's natural for a golfer to be good one day, and then, you know, 10 shots worse another day. So, trying have golfers able to perform in every tournament.” 

The section champion came to an end with Freitas shooting a 74 and Chamberlain shooting an 80. For Chamberlain, this was the best score he has ever posted in a tournament. Freitas’ best score in tournament play was 72.  

“Ethan’s 74 was the 8th best score in the tournament,” Gibbs said. “Unfortunately, this did not place him in the six individual qualifiers for Masters. He is the seventh individual qualifier.”