Canyons Begins State Title Defense with 19-Stroke Victory
The Cougars topped the eight-team field at the Western State Conference (WSC) season opener, while freshman Hugo Amsallem tied for medalist honors with a round of 73.
Story and photo by Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director
College of the Canyons started its 2020 season, and state title defense, with a dominating 19-stroke victory on a cold and wind-filled outing at Valencia Country Club on Monday.
Included among the day's highlights was the round turned in by freshman Hugo Amsallem who carded a one-over-par round of 73 to lead the Cougars and tie for medalist honors. Santa Barbara City College sophomore Igor Haenel shared co-medalist honors with Amsallem.
The frigid and blustery conditions no doubt affected player scores in what was the first Western State Conference (WSC) event of the season. While Canyons was hitting the links for the first time this season, the seven other WSC schools got their first taste of action at the annual two-day Pt. Conception Open held at La Purisima golf course Jan. 26-27.
At Monday's eveent Canyons (389) was followed by Ventura College (408), SBCC (410), Glendale (424) and Antelope Valley (429) in the team standings. Bakersfield (432), Allan Hancock (460) and Citrus (463) rounded out the field.
In the individual standings, COC freshmen Chayan Duha and Matty Wilson finished tied for fifth overall, each shooting a round of 76.
Duha's most memorable shot of the day came in the form of an 18-foot chip that made its way to the bottom of the hole for a birdy on the 10th hole.
Sophomore Nobuhiko Wakaari, who earned conference Player of the Year and individual state champion honors a season ago, was next in the clubhouse with a round of 81.
Jules Lavigne, who also played a key role in the Cougar's state championship run in 2019, shot an 83 to represent the final scoring mark for COC. Sophomore Ryan Crema also competed and finished at 86, but had his score dropped from the final tally.
Canyons is back in action Monday, Feb. 10 at the WSC event hosted by Glendale College at Oakmont Country Club. Tee time is scheduled for 9 a.m.
TEAM SCORES
1.Canyons (389) 2. Ventura (408) 3. SBCC (410) 4. Glendale (424) 5. Antelope Valley (429) 6. Bakersfield (432) 7. Hancock (460) 8. Citrus (463).
CANYONS INDIVIDUAL SCORES
Hugo Amsallem (73)-Tie Medalist; Chayan Duha (76) – Tie Fifth; Matty Wilson (76) – Tie Fifth; Nobuhiko Wakaari (81); Jules Lavigne (83); Ryan Crema (86).
Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
