As the temperatures gradually warmed up, so did the West Genesee boys golf team as it engaged in its first matches of the 2009 season.
To start with, the Wildcats ventured to Drumlins Country Club’s East Course last Monday and finished third in a field of 10 at the Henninger Invitaional.
WG had a team score of 215, beaten only by Fayetteville-Manlius, who won with 206, and Baldwinsville, who took second place with 212.
Then the Wildcats turned to head-to-head competition, starting on Wednesday at Valley View, where it took care of Utica Proctor in a 197-224 victory.
In a display of depth and balance, Matt Salvetti, John Clare and Luke Smith each shot 39 for nine holes, with teammates Connor Khammar and Nick Holzhauer finishing with equal rounds of 40 to counteract the Raiders’ Larry Desiato leading all individuals with a 38.
A day later, in its home opener at Westvale, WG won again, sailing past Central Square 180-210.
Brian Sierotnik went to the forefront, blazing around Westvale in 34 shots. Just behind him, Smith and Connor Salanger each posted 35, while Brandon Payne and Justin Powless led the Red Hawks, each shooting 38.