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WESTBOROUGH, Mass. — Westborough Rangers golf stayed unbeaten behind a strong day from Mike Rodenbush (35) and Kevin VanDam (39), but the Rangers depth is what coach Greg Rota credited for the Rangers 35-19 win and 8-0 start.
"The difference between this year and last year is my No. 5 and 6 kids. 13 points came from that group alone," Rota said. "I always tell them, you've got to win as a group. You can't have a group lose because if you do it puts you behind the 8 ball."
Rodenbush said the unbeaten start has been exciting, and he can rely on his teammates to help put opponents away late in matches.
"Last year we only had four wins and this year we already have eight, which is pretty crazy," Rodenbush said. "We have a lot of depth, our [No 5 and 6 players] could easily play at the No. 3 or 4."
At the midway point of his team's schedule, Rota admitted he wouldn't put it past his team to go unbeaten, but he has worries about his team getting too caught up in the early success.
"Right now it's exceeding expectations. I knew we were going to have a good core group of kids, and a lot of the players have just been lights-out," Rota said, noting that Hudson kept the match closer than his team anticipated. "Tonight before this match they were all kind of loosey-goosey not really putting and chipping the way they usually would be. ... You don't want to see them lose, but its a wake-up call that you can't take anything lightly."
BOYS SOCCER
Westborough 1, Marlborough 1: After going down 1-0 in the first half, a Loic Pennick penalty kick tied the score for the Rangers, but that's all Rangers boys soccer would get despite bevy of chances.
"We absolutely dominated. ... We probably played the best we've played all season today," coach Michael Griffin said, noting that it was a confidence-inspiring performance after a 4-0 loss to Groton.
"It's just a case of needing to have a bit of luck," Griffin said.
Ethan Peterson headed a ball off the crossbar in the second half, and Pennick, Carter Reynolds and Jamie Plowman each had good shots, but were unable to find the back of the net.
The Rangers (3-2-2) will face Quabbin at home Tuesday after three straight road games.
GIRLS SOCCER
Westborough 0, Marlborough 0: Marissa Goebel made four saves and didn't allow a goal, but the Westborough Rangers were unable to score despite several chances.
With the tie, Rangers girls soccer drops to 4-2-2 and will next be in action Tuesday at Quabbin.
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