Tigers Take Over Top Spot in OEC Standings

The Riverside City College men's golf team reclaimed the top spot in the Orange Empire Conference standings this week with a narrow victory over the field during the conference match played on the Costa Mesa Country Club's par-72 Los Lagos course.

The event, which was hosted by Orange Coast College, saw Riverside's Everett Najera post a 2-under-par 70 to lead his team to a team score of 374.  Teammate Michael Herrera added a 74 with both Nick Bridge and Jordan Sams each posting 76's to help the Tigers.

Cypress and Orange Coast each shot team scores of 377 but Cypress earned second-place honors due to a lower score from the sixth man (77 vs. 80).  Dylan Hall paced the Chargers with a 73 while Matt Rafter added a 75 and Andreus Thaning and Brandon Menyes each posted 76's.  Orange Coast saw Justin Collins fire an even-par round of 72 with Jeremy Dorff adding a 74 and Taka Inoue adding a 76.

Saddleback was a stroke back in fourth place at 378 as Austin Briggs posted a 73 and Jackson Blogg posted a 74.  Mt. San Antonio (385) and Irvine Valley (412) rounded out the field.

Najera's medalist round was the fifth time in six events that he has finished at even-par or better.  He leads the Orange Empire Conference in scoring at 71.8 strokes per round.  He is followed by Cypress' Hall (72.7) and Tetsu Kase of Orange Coast (72.8).

The teams have a week off before being hosted by Irvine Valley College on the Oak Creek course on Wednesday (April 19). 

Stay connected with the Orange Empire Conference through social media. Follow the OEC on Twitter @SportsOEC. Check in with the Orange Empire on Facebook/SportsOEC.