The Saddleback men's golf team finished second at the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) State Championships at Soboba Springs Golf Club in San Jacinto on Monday.  The Bobcats made a charge in the second round before coming up short to College of the Canyons.

Saddleback opened the day by shooting +3 (363) and was sitting five shot back of Canyons heading into the afternoon round.  Clayton Smith was the star in the opening round, firing a 4-under-par round of 68 for the lowest round of the morning session.

Saddleback needed a comeback if they were going to catch perennial power Canyons.  The Bobcats played well, but came up two shots back after shooting -1 (359) in the afternoon round.  Saddleback and Canyons were tied with one player remaining on the course for Canyons.  Kiernan Bye then finished his round at -2 for the Cougars, giving Canyons the two-shot win and a state title.

Saddleback had three players under par in the second round as Patrick Jaksch shot -2 (70), while Declan Lane and Arthur Hess both shot -1 (71). 

Clayton Smith finished at +2 (74) in round two to finish at -2 for the tournament (142).  Smith finished tied for fourth overall in medalist play, earning all-state honors as a result.  Patrick Jaksch finished at -1 for the day to finish in a tie for sixth.  Folsom Lake's Giacomo Sorrentino won the overall medalist honors with a two-round total of 139 (-5).

Saddleback's second place finish was the best for the program since finishing second in 2008.  Saddleback has won six state titles in program history, with the last coming in 2007.

Release by Brad Hoiseth, Saddleback SID