Columbus, MAST win GMAC golf titles; Cantarel, Culler-Guerra take home individual honors
Columbus’ golf team knew it would be a challenge to stay among the state’s best after losing all five starters from last year’s state runner-up team.
But thanks to a strong group of juniors and underclassmen, the Explorers are heading into this postseason in position to make another strong run at a title.
Columbus picked up another solid victory on Monday afternoon when it won the boys’ GMAC championship at the Redland Golf and Country Club.
The Explorers shot a 299 to finish 25 strokes ahead of runner-up MAST Academy and their top four golfers placed second through fifth.
Coral Gables junior Lorenzo Cantarel, though, topped the four of them by shooting a 72 to win his first individual GMAC title.
MAST Academy triumphed on the girls’ side as the Makos shot 395 to win the title and finish 22 shots ahead of runner-up Miami Palmetto. Sixth-grader Francesca Black (88) and eighth-grader Sara Montoya (89) led MAST by placing sixth and seventh respectively.
Miami Springs’ Gia Culler-Guerra, a first team All-Dade selection last season while playing for Mater Lakes Academy, bested the field by 12 strokes and secured the individual title with an impressive score of 72.
On the boys’ side, freshman Hector Perez Sainz continued his breakout season for Columbus by shooting a 73. Junior Victor Herrera posted a 74 to finish third and junior Nicholas Shortal and sophomore Nicholas Sanchez tied for fourth with each shooting a 76.
The Explorers have played in several major tournaments in-state and out-of-state, which coach Mike Marinelli credits for helping his younger squad gain valuable experience.
“The team is coming into its own,” Marinelli said. “We didn’t have the experience early on but they are playing much better later in the season.”
RESULTS
Boys’ team scores: 1. Columbus 299; 2. MAST 324; 3. Palmetto 331; Individuals: 1. Lorenzo Cantarel (CG) 72; 2. Hector Perez Sainz (COL) 73; 3. Victor Herrera (COL) 74; 4. Nicolas Shortal (COL) and Nicholas Sanchez (COL) 76.
Girls’ team scores: 1. MAST 395; 2. Palmetto 417; Individuals: 1. Gia Culler-Guerra (MS) 72; 2. Lexi Weissman (Miami Beach) 83; 3. Anisleidy Chavez (South Dade) 84; 4. Oakley Sever (Terra) and Kaylie Gil (CG) 87.
