(Tucson, AZ) The Pima Community College men’s golf team produced its best round of the season on Sunday as the Aztecs took home the NJCAA Region I, Division I title for the fourth time in five years.
The Aztecs had three players shoot under par for the day as they collectively finished with a three-under par 277. The Aztecs finished with an overall total of 1171 (294-296-304-277). Eastern Arizona College took second with 1195 (308-298-294-295) and Estrella Mountain Community College was third with 1306 (317-327-325-337).
Freshman Samuel Salisbury (Walden Grove HS), sophomore Diego Cueva-Schraidt (Sabino HS) and freshman Curtis Goldin (McClintock HS) each shot a 1-under par 69 in the final round. Freshman Luis Riesgo (Cienega HS) shot an even-par 70 while freshman Cody Goza (Blue Ridge HS) produced his best-round of the tournament with a 3-over par 73.
All five Aztec competitors earned All-Region honors. Salisbury took third place with 288 (71-75-73-69) as he finished 5-strokes behind the individual champion. Cueva-Schraidt placed fourth with 296 (75-73-79-69). Goldin (80-76-73-69) and Riesgo (73-74-81-70) tied for fifth place as they each shot a 298. Goza was seventh with a 301 (75-74-79-73).
“Everything we did this season was to get prepared for regionals,” Pima men’s golf coach Rich Elias said. We didn’t play best all year but we improved and we’re peaking at the right time. Ben (Esparza) and I had a team meeting after yesterday’s round and we told them, ‘Hey guys, now is the time. This is what we came here to do. Let’s put our best foot forward and leave everything out there.’ The kids stepped up and performed. Ben really made a big impact as my assistant coach.”
The Aztecs will compete in the NJCAA Division I Championship from May 14-17 at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, FL.
Courtesy of Pima Athletics
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