Vaqs move into second

GLENDALE — For the first time since having the program reinstated in 2008, the Glendale Community College men’s golf team is on the cusp of advancing to the Southern California Regionals.

With a second-place finish in a seven-team Western State Conference match Monday at Elkins Ranch Golf Course in Fillmore, the Vaqueros also moved into second place overall in conference competition. The top two teams plus the third team from the conference final qualify for the Southern California Regionals.

Glendale college Coach Greg Osbourne isn’t ready to celebrate just yet.

“We still have work to do, but I like what we were able to do [Monday],” Osbourne said after Glendale fired a 369 to finish second behind College of the Canyons (363). “We shot some low scores and we are improving each week.”

Chris Ramirez of Glendale fired a one-under-par 70 to tie for first with Andrew Garcia of Ventura College.

Glendale, which received 73s from Crescenta Valley High graduate Michael Timpson and lone sophomore Brennan Amirkhizi, entered Monday’s 18-hole round tied for second with Allan Hancock. However, Hancock carded a 380 and finished fifth, giving the Vaqueros some breathing room.

Vincent Lam had a 76 for Glendale, which received a 77 from Aaron Fernandez. Danny Fernandez carded a 74, but was disqualified for signing the wrong score, according to Osbourne.

Ventura finished third (370), followed by Bakersfield (379). Santa Barbara was sixth (388) and Citrus placed seventh (395).

“This is just so huge for us, but we still have some work to get done,” Osbourne said. “They knew where to hit the ball and we had several practice rounds here to help us get familiar with the course.”

The Vaqueros will next compete in another conference match Monday in Bakersfield.