Gauchos lead the pack in golf opener

The Saddleback men's golf program picked up its first win since the 2011 campaign on Monday by beating the rest of the Orange Empire Conference competition in the opening round of the annual Tee-Off Classic at Los Serranos Golf Club.  The Gauchos were eight strokes better than the nearest team in windy and cold conditions.

Saddleback and five other OEC programs teed off in difficult conditions on Monday morning, with cold temperatures and 20-25 mile-per-hour gusts of wind.  The Gauchos put together a decent round despite the obstacles, finishing with a team score of 402 (+32).

"The kids played well despite the brutal conditions and difficult pin positions," head coach Wayne Westling said.  "It will be interesting to see what they can do with playable conditions."

Robert Lievana (pictured) was the star, shooting an even-par round of 74.  Lievana made six birdies throughout the round, taking home medalist honors on opening day by three shots over Cypress freshman Alec Montalbo and four shots over Saddleback teammate (freshman) Jack Lutz. 

The Gauchos played the South Course at Los Serranos on Monday, measuring close to 7,600 yards.  They will finish the two-day event on the much shorter North Course on Wednesday.