Arseneau Keys Taconic Golfers' Win Over Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- With four golfers on the course, Taconic found itself trailing rival Pittsfield by four strokes on Wednesday at Berkshire Hills Country Club.
Brent Arseneau turned out to be Taconic’s ace in the hole.
Arseneau carded a 3-over-par round of 39 on the front nine to give his team a 161-167 win and a season split with the Generals.
Arseneau played the sixth position on the ladder for Taconic, which put him in the third and final four-player group along with teammate Connor Champoux, playing fifth, and their opposite numbers from Pittsfield.
Taconic coach Mike Hillman agreed that the Arseneau’s performance highlights the team’s depth.
“It’s always nice when you don’t have rely on the first group or the first two groups -- when you know you have a chance because the last two guys can come in and post a number,” Hillman said. “Today, Brent came through. Not to take anything away from the guys in the first group. Both MIke [Kays] and Ross [Omelenchuck] had great rounds as well.”
Kays earned medalist honors with a 37. Omelenchuck carded a 39 that included a birdie on the 340-yard, par-4 second hole. Brett Murphy and Champoux each finished at 46 to supply the final score.
Pittsfield was led by Justin Martin with a 39. Ricky Berrian and Kevin Quinto each scored with a 42, and Jake Driscoll and Alex Parsons finished at 44.
Arseneau was low key after saving the day for Taconic.
“I had a good day,” he said. “I was hitting the ball well. Good putting, solid shots. On a couple of holes, I had some good putts.”
Sometimes, it can be especially hard to have that kind of day in a group where you are the only player breaking 40.
“You never know who you’re going to be playing with,” Hillman said. “You could have someone in your group who is struggling or making some high numbers.
“You’ve really got to stay focused and play your own game. That’s kind of what I stress all year: If you have a high number, you have to recover from that, play your own game, focuse on every shot.”
Taconic’s win Wednesday avenged a loss earlier this season at Pittsfield Country Club.
“Everybody on each team are all friends and friendly with each other, including the coaches,” Hillman said. “But Pittsfield High versus Taconic always means a little more to everybody because we’re city rivals.
“It feels good to be them here at home. … Whenever we can beat Pittsfield High it’s a good thing.”