STOCKBRIDGE -- After recording just four wins in the previous two seasons the 2012 Drury golf team wasn't expecting to more than double that number.
Instead, the Blue Devils notched 11 victories, finished second in the North Division and qualified for the Western Massachusetts Division II tournament.
"The difference has really been the dedication of all of the kids on the team," coach Don Dagnoli said. "They all worked really hard over the summer and they're all very motivated and very hard-working. All of the credit goes to them."
Junior Matt Lawrence and senior Alex Boulger led the team out of the No. 1 and No. 2 positions respectivly. Lawrence improved his game by nearly eight strokes from a season ago and Boulger has found the consistency he was missing.
The duo not only led the team in terms of scoring but also in the leadership department.
"They're definitely a positive influence and sort of role models for the rest of the team," Dagnoli said. "Matt plays every day and Alex is a very hard worker. They both love the game and it rubs off on everyone else."
In 2010, the Blue Devils suffered through an 0-15 season. Last year, they mustered up four victories.
"All the kids want to win," Lawrence said. "Last year, they knew we weren't going to do as well, but once they knew we had the ability to do well, they all started working harder for it."
Most of the team are members at Taconic Country
Perhaps the biggest improvement on the season was freshman Nick Bator. He spent much of the summer playing at Taconic with Boulger and Lawrence.
"Everyone has been working very hard this year and over the summer," Boulger said. "I mean look at Nick Bator, he got better by almost 13 strokes all because he played almost everyday at Taconic over the summer."
Bator started the season in the No. 6 position and shot up to the No. 3 slot by the time it was over. His average last season was 55, according to Dagnoli. This year, he never shot higher than a 49.
Teammates Nick Trombley and Nick Boulger also saw improvement on the year, as did Jeff Hancock. Hancock started the season shooting five scores of 47 or higher, peaking at a 57. He then dropped his scores into the low 40s.
"Most of our players have got a lot better," Bator said. "We pretty much just practiced everyday. Even if we're not on the course as team, just playing or shooting will help you."
The Details...
What:Western Massachusetts Division II golf tournament
When:Today, 10 a.m.
Where:Stockbridge Golf Club
Who:Drury boy's golf team and Chad Alibozek as an individual
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