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Tigers Confident As Region Nears

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By ADAM ADKINS, The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 22, 2007

There was plenty for Jesuit's boys golf team to feel good about after last week's Class 1A-District 14 tournament. There's also reason to believe those good feelings will continue.

As senior Dylan Malafronte put it after Jesuit edged Berkeley Prep by five strokes to repeat as district champ, the Tigers not only were able to win despite losing three key seniors from last year's state tournament squad, but also they were able to do it without their best game. That's got the Tigers feeling extra confident heading into Tuesday's Class 1A regional at The Eagles, where they'll play for a return trip to the state tournament.

'I actually think we've got a pretty good chance,' junior Jack Twomey said. 'We shot a 314 team total and we didn't play our best. I know I didn't play my best. I think if we can get it under 310 or so, we can get back to state.'
Jesuit is one of four Hillsborough County teams vying for a return trip to the state tournament. Wharton's and Durant's girls, scheduled to tee off today at Heritage Isles in a Class 2A regional, and Plant's boys, who tee off today at Fox Hollow in a 2A regional, are the others.

But the Tigers have one notable advantage over those other teams. Their 1A regional is on the same course - the Lakes course at The Eagles - where they won the district title last week.

'I think it helps a lot,' Twomey said. 'We've played it once in the regular season and now a whole 18 holes at district. We know what to expect, and being familiar with the holes is a bonus.

'But it still comes down to scores at the end. We've still got to play the game and produce some good numbers.'

The Tigers are confident they can do that, especially Twomey. Jesuit's No. 1 golfer struggled to an 81 in the district tournament, but he understands what he needs to do in order to shave strokes off that district-tournament round.

'You have to keep the ball in play, and that's what I had trouble with last week,' Twomey said. 'I was in the rough and in the trees a heck of a lot more than I should have been and that cost me a few shots.

'I'm hoping to play real well Tuesday. I'm feeling pretty confident.'

Reporter Adam Adkins can be reached at (813) 657-4533 or aadkins@tampatrib.com.

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