Pima’s media relations department contributed to this report.
The Pima Community College men’s golf team produced its best round of the season on Sunday as the Aztecs took home the NJCAA Region I, Division I title for the fourth time in five years.
The Aztecs had three players shoot under par for the day as they collectively finished with a three-under par 277.
The Aztecs finished with an overall total of 1171 (294-296-304-277). Eastern Arizona College took second with 1195 (308-298-294-295) and Estrella Mountain Community College was third with 1306 (317-327-325-337).
(Left to right): Pima assistant coach Ben Esparza, Luis Riesgo, Cody Goza, Samuel Salisbury, Diego Cueva-Schraidt, Curtis Goldin and coach Rich Elias. (Photo by Raymond Suarez/Pima Athletics)
Freshman Samuel Salisbury (Walden Grove grad), sophomore Diego Cueva-Schraidt (Sabino) and freshman Curtis Goldin (Tempe McClintock) each shot a 1-under par 69 in the final round.
Freshman Luis Riesgo (Cienega) shot an even-par 70 while freshman Cody Goza (Pinetop Blue Ridge) produced his best-round of the tournament with a 3-over par 73.
All five Aztec competitors earned All-Region honors. Salisbury took third place with 288 (71-75-73-69) as he finished 5-strokes behind the individual champion. Cueva-Schraidt placed fourth with 296 (75-73-79-69). Goldin (80-76-73-69) and Riesgo (73-74-81-70) tied for fifth place as they each shot a 298. Goza was seventh with a 301 (75-74-79-73).
“Everything we did this season was to get prepared for regionals,” Pima men’s golf coach Rich Elias said. “We didn’t play our best all year but we improved and we’re peaking at the right time. (Assistant coach) Ben (Esparza) and I had a team meeting after yesterday’s round and we told them, ‘Hey guys, now is the time. This is what we came here to do. Let’s put our best foot forward and leave everything out there.’ The kids stepped up and performed. Ben really made a big impact as my assistant coach.”
The Aztecs will compete in the NJCAA Division I Championship from May 14-17 at the Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Fla.
The Pima women’s team, which never finished below second place in any regular season tournament this season and claimed the Pima Invitational team title, is also bound for the national tournament.
The Aztecs secured a spot in the NJCAA Women’s Golf Championship from May 13-16 at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla.
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