New division, no problem.
VHS golf is a newcomer this year in the Super Essex Conference’s top division, the American Division, and is proving they can compete.
After finishing last season with a 16-3 record, Verona was moved up in the conference after last year’s great season to the American Division to compete with the likes of defending American Division winner Millburn, Essex County champion Caldwell, Seton Hall Prep, MKA, Livingston, and Newark Academy.
“We might end up being the best team to not qualify for the state playoffs because they moved us into the land of the giants,” stated head coach and VHS history teacher Joe Carollo when asked about the new division. “Every win matters.”
This philosophy has been shown by Verona. After tying the first match of the season with New Providence, the Hillbillies went on a six-match winning streak before losing their first match 156-175 to a Seton Hall Prep team ranked 20th in the state, moving Verona’s record to 6-1-1.
During their streak, Verona knocked off defending county champs, Caldwell, beating them by one stroke, 171-172. Junior Bobby Leblein’s 41 led the way and sophomore Frank Ferrari’s 37 bested Caldwell’s Aaron Rayney, a top 20 golfer in the state. The match was sealed when senior John Cifune’s 60-foot putt on the ninth and final hole gave the Hillbillies the “W”.
In a match at Mountain Lakes the Hillbillies shot their lowest round of the year, a 155. Ferrari shot a 35, junior Hunter Grasso a 38 and Leblein a 39.
“We have three kids shooting in the mid 40’s and below on a regular basis, we’re going to win a lot of matches like that,” said Coach Carollo.
The team hopes to improve their record on Monday April 15 when Verona will take on Caldwell and Newark Eastside at Montclair Golf Club.
