Lely sports: Golf team gets off to a good start

The Lely boys golf team has shown it can hang with the big boys.

Just four strokes made the difference in the Trojans loss to Naples, then the boys downed Palmetto Ridge on Tuesday.

"It was a heartbreaking loss to Naples last Thursday in our opener at home by a meager four shots," coach Daniel Johnson said.

The team breezed by Palmetto Ridge, winning by 29 strokes.

"It was a very nice win at Palmetto," he said.

Senior Brandon Black shot a career-best even par 36, with sophomore Kevin Russetto carding a three over 39.

"The team looks strong to start the season," Johnson said.

Mike Mitchusson recorded a 42 and Greg Trzyna shot 43 in the win. Waiting in the wings are Sean Lampos and David Marlett.

"Advancing through a district (2A-15) that includes powerhouses, Barron Collier, Gulf Coast, Naples and South Fort Myers will provide a challenge to say the least," Johnson said.

The Lely girls volleyball team won its first district championship last season, but are 0-3 this season. Their losses have been to Naples, Gulf Coast and Palmetto Ridge on Tuesday.

The match at Palmetto Ridge went the distance, with the Lady Bears winning 3-2 in games.

Palmetto won the firs two and Lely rallied to win the next two. In the final game Palmetto Ridge prevailed, 15-13.

Key players for Lely were Mary Gibler (14 kills, 14 digs, 1 ace) and Navia Penrod (5 blocks, 11 kills), Lely coach Dan Selvey said "We started out really slow and dug ourselves a hole. We fought back hard, but just came up short of closing out the fifth set."

Stacey Stewart lost his first game as coach of the Lely football team. Host Riverdale downed Lely, 27-13.

Lely hosts Cypress Lake at 7:30 p.m. today.

"A big play for them created momentum. We need to forget it and maintain our confidence, (in those situations)," he said.

Defensive back Jose Olalde fired up Lely with an interception that he ran back for a touchdown. Stewart credited the defensive team for the score. "We put Olalde in a position to make a play because everyone did their job as a unit," he said.

On Friday night the Trojans host Cypress Lake.

First-year coach Dale More said his team was only behind 2-0 at half against South Fort Myers, but made too many mistakes in the second half to fall 34-0.

"Our defense did a good job, but our offense just couldn't get going," he said. "Against Lely we have to read our keys on defense and execute on offense. If we do we should be in the game."

Both teams know that cutting down on mistakes is critical.

"We need to make sure we don't beat ourselves," Stewart said.