The Dover-Sherborn boys golf team is focusing on preparation and adaptability as it approaches the Division 2 Central sectional tournament later this month. After securing a postseason berth, senior captain Jai Moulton arranged a practice round at Blissful Meadows Golf Club, the site of the upcoming tournament, enduring heavy rain to familiarize himself and his teammates with the course conditions.
Despite persistent downpours, Moulton delivered a solid performance, noting his comfort playing in adverse weather. "I think I was 2- or 3-under on the back nine," he said, emphasizing how rain can be an advantage for players who embrace it rather than complain. His coach, Jon Kirby, highlighted the importance of gaining experience on the course ahead of tournament play. “It’s impossible to feel comfortable at a course without playing it. You’ve got to know where to miss, the slopes of the greens, and we’ve got to put the time in,” Kirby said. The coach added that the team harbors ambitions beyond simply qualifying and is eager to contend for the Division 2 title in the final year before the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) introduces a new postseason format in 2027.
The Raiders, currently holding an 11-2 record, are led by a senior core that includes Moulton, Matt Bowen, Brennan Cavaliero, and Ian Mauro. The group has developed strong chemistry after three years playing together. Brennan Cavaliero stressed the importance of supporting underclassmen, encouraging them to maintain confidence even following tough rounds. “It’s not the end of the world when they have a bad round,” he said.
Looking ahead to the final regular-season match, Dover-Sherborn faces a crucial clash for the league crown against Norton at TPC Boston. Kirby underscored the challenges ahead, noting the complexity of championship-level golf courses. “It’s not like basketball, where the hoop’s 10 feet everywhere. [The course] really makes a difference,” he said, adding that the season moves quickly and demands consistent focus.
Moulton, who was named Tri-Valley MVP last year and placed fourth at the Division 2 championship, expressed enthusiasm about competing at tour-level venues. “I watched the FedEx Cup [at TPC Boston] when I was a kid, so I always get goosebumps playing there,” he said.
Meanwhile, other regional teams have also been securing key wins as the postseason approaches. Blaise Chatigny led Sandwich to a narrow victory over Nauset at Sandwich Hollows, shooting a school-record 6-under-par 30. His performance helped Sandwich not only qualify for the postseason but also clinch a share of their league title. Nauset’s junior Oliver Smith also set a school record with a 4-under 32 despite the loss.
In Eastern Massachusetts, several teams remain unbeaten late in the season. BC High handed Xaverian a rare defeat at Brookmeadow, leaving Hingham (14-0), Newburyport (11-0), and Old Rochester (11-0) as the last undefeated squads. Hingham extended its winning streak with three consecutive victories, powered by freshman Michael Rogers. Newburyport also posted impressive numbers in Cape Ann league matches, with key contributions from seniors Gavin Goich and Jack Oreal and junior Sam Lukens.
As the regular season winds down, these teams are poised to contend strongly in their respective postseason pursuits.