Special to the Recorder
The Ponte Vedra High boys golf team continued its impressive winning streak, earning its third consecutive Class 2A state championship on Nov. 6.
Whether the fire power to bring the trophy home came from a senior, junior or sophomore, the Sharks prevailed despite their lead narrowing to just one stroke on the second day of the tournament.
Playing on a windy day at the hilly El Campeon course at the Mission Inn Resort at Howey-in-the-Hills, the team became just the third team in FHSAA history to win three consecutive state titles.
Senior Justin Ortigeura led the team with a stellar showing (73-75—148) and came in fourth overall. Sophomore Jack Barned delivered an 18th-hole birdie to help fire up the crowd shooting 74 on the second day to finish with a 149 total and place sixth overall. Sophomore Will McGriff also picked up a top-10 finish (74-77—151) for the Sharks.
With the aid of senior Stuart Slayden and junior Connor Holcroft, the champions edged out American Heritage for another year. The Sharks finished a 604 total win the tournament by six strokes.
