Westfield Edges Over Scotch Plains-Fanwood in Golf

Westfield High School's golf team knocked off Scotch Plains-Fanwood by 11 strokes Tuesday afternoon.

The Blue Devils, who just got home from a week-long trip to Spain, beat the Raiders 164-175 at Echo Lake Country Club. The Raiders played without promising freshman Steve Pedersen, who is attending the Master's Golf Tournament in Augusta, Ga.

John Foti led the Raiders with a 40, Alan Woodfield had a 44, Dave Park hit a 45 and Ryan Laguna shot a 46 for the Raiders.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood dropped to 0-2 and don't play again until Monday against Summit. Foti could have scored a 38, but was penalized two strokes for a violation of pulling his ball out before it was completely settled in the cup.

"We're not playing as well as we can and we're doing some careless things," said Scotch Plains-Fanwood coach Steve Ciccotelli. "I really think that as the season goes on we'll get much better. John (Foti) is playing well and when we get Pedersen back that will help. They play like that they're going to win most of their matches; they'll be fine."

Westfield's Brandon Molson and Kevin Russell shot 40s against Scotch Plains-Fanwood, while Dave Athenson had a 41 and Mike Fietkiewicz shot a 43.

"We haven't played well," Westfield coach John Turnbull said. "The kids just aren't performing. I thought we would be in the mid 150s, but getting back here and getting adjusted to the time change is tough. I've been going to bed at like 9 p.m. and waking up at 2 a.m. The kids were playing better in Spain and before we left."

Turnbull said he is confident the team will get back to where they want to be soon.