Noah Podolsky is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mountain Pointe High School for AZPreps365.com

PHOENIX – The Mountain Pointe boys golf team secured a 6-shot win against Vista Grande at Ahwatukee Lakes Golf Course on Thursday, led by senior Ethan Vega’s career-low, 5-over-par 30 performance in the last match of the Division II Desert Sky season. 

Vega carded an impressive six pars on the nine-hole course, playing a key role in the team's third win of the season.

“I played my best round so far within the five years I’ve been playing golf here,” Vega said. “I figured I would just go out there and shoot my best for my team. I’m glad to see if this can motivate them to do as good as me.” 

The Pride were also anchored by sophomore Eloy Barrera’s 8-over-par round and senior Isaac Herrera’s 11-over-par contribution. Both Barrera and Herrera capitalized with birdies on the fifth hole. 

“Isaac had a great game,” Mountain Pointe coach David Rose said. “He really wanted this win. He worked hard this week and last week, and wanted to go out with a “W” from the season.”

Rose further credited the team's shot of the day to Herrera’s birdie on the fifth hole, which gave the Pride momentum. 

“That’s a big hole,” Rose said. “Usually the pin is tucked in the back or the front and he stuck it like three feet away from the hole. Almost got a hole-in-one.” 

The match doubled as Mountain Pointe’s Senior Day celebration, making the victory even more memorable. The Spartans had previously defeated the Pride twice in their last three faceoffs. 

“The seniors wanted to go out with a bang and they did,”  Rose said. “They really had their mind set to play against these guys, and really wanted to beat them because we played them three times during the season and we lost two times.”

Senior Mark Delgado gave his last best effort, posting 15-over-par and freshman Edison Hunt rallied with 16-over-par.

“Today I actually shot my best for this course,” Delgado said. “We all get to celebrate our golf adventure and really take in how much we’ve improved. It’s a great way to end the season.”

Vista Grande’s Trevor Tracas shot a 9-over-par, recording four pars on the day, and Jorden Kear registered a 10-over-par, notching one par on the eighth hole.

Spartans coach Charles Clark emphasized how challenging the course was for his team.

“They usually have difficulty here,”  Clark said. “The wind just picked up a little bit more than usual, and it gave them some trouble. The fairways are a little tough. There’s a lot more dirt than usual.”

Rose is wasting no time preparing for next season, with plans to scout new prospects.

“I’m losing three seniors this year,” Rose said. “What’s next is to try to recruit, get some more players in and try to better our team for next year.”