CRANSTON, Rhode Island ---- The Region 21 Championships keep finding their way to Brockton during the 2017-18 academic year, with the Massasoit men's golf team joining the club on Wednesday. The Warriors captured their first-ever regional title in men's golf, holding off MassBay by seven strokes to win the two-day tournament at the Cranston Country Club.
With the victory, Massasoit earns an automatic bid to the NJCAA National Tournament, hosted at Chautauqua Country Club in Chautauqua, New York, from June 4-8.
The men's golf team becomes the fourth team to win a Region 21 title in 2017-18, joining the men's soccer, men's basketball and softball teams. The golf squad also becomes the third Warrior team to represent Massasoit at the NJCAA National Tournament, as the men's basketball and men's track teams also accomplished the feat.
Leading by six strokes heading into day two, it was a pair of Weymouth natives that helped secure the title. Chris McMorrow rolled in a team-low 78, highlighted by carding a 36 on the front. Chris Flipp tallied an even 80, breaking 40 on the back nine with a 39.
Individually for the tournament, Flipp finished fourth overall with a 164 (84+80=164), while McMorrow placed sixth at 165 (87+78=165).
Shawn McIsaac (Avon) recorded an 89 on the second day and battled through some adversity, playing the final four holes without a putter. He finished with a two-day score of 170 (89+81=170), after posting a team-best 81 during the opening round.
Rounding out the Warrior foursome was the lone sophomore Jack DeCoste (East Sandwich), who advanced to the NJCAA Nationals as an individual a season ago. DeCoste recorded a 90 on day two, and closed out the tourney with a 178 (88+90=178).
"Chris, Flipp, Jack and Shawn all played very consistently and that helped lead us to the victory," head coach Mike Croatti said. "They weathered the storm after a late charge by MassBay, but rallied down the stretch to secure the regional crown. I couldn't be more proud of these guys and we are excited for the opportunity to represent Massasoit at Nationals."
Massasoit finished with a two-day total score of 677 (340+337=667), as the foursome improved by three shots as a team during the final round.
MassBay hung right with the Warriors, making things interesting on Wednesday by posting a 338. But the six-stroke lead Massasoit had built up on day one proved to be the cushion needed to help secure the victory as the Buccaneers ended the tournament with a 684 (346+338=684), just seven shots back.
The Buccaneers were led by individual tournament champion Nick Barber, who posted a 158 (77+81=158).
CCRI's streak of five consecutive Region 21 titles came to an end, as the Knights finished in third with a 723 (376+347=723). The last team to win regionals other than CCRI was Dean College back in 2012.
"It's great feeling for the kids that have put in all the hard work this season to be regional champions," Croatti said. "Goes to show that coming together and working towards a common goal can be achieved through focus, dedication and determination. It's a great day to be able to hoist the regional plaque and put Massasoit golf on the map."