Costa Mesa edges Estancia

Estancia High boys’ golf coach Art Perry is in his 30th season. He told Costa Mesa co-coach Casey Swanson there’s been only two times Costa Mesa has beaten Estancia in that time.

Both coaches did not know the last time the Mustangs came out on top in the rivalry matchup. It’s been at least 10 years, possibly 20.

Swanson, co-coach Marlon Liotta and the Mustangs don’t really care when was the last time, they just know they won on Tuesday and claimed their first win over their rivals in a very long time.

Freshman Blake Juncker shot six-over par 42 to help lead Costa Mesa to a 229-231 Orange Coast League victory over Estancia at Mesa Verde Country Club.

Austin Sheffner shot 45, Jon Brucales 46, Cameron Curet 47 and Huy Ngo 47 for the Mustangs. Parker Ohland of Estancia was the medalist with 40.

Swanson, an Estancia alumnus (Class of 1986) and Liotta, a Mesa alum (Class of ‘79), were very proud of the win. Last year, Estancia beat Costa Mesa, 181-235, in one of three matchups. The Eagles said they were using that match as more of a practice round.

What a difference a year makes.

Estancia did not mean any disrespect to Costa Mesa last year. In fact, the teams actually get along pretty well, Swanson said.

Swanson played freshman football for Perry back when Perry coached football at Estancia.

Swanson has great respect for Perry, who has helped Swanson and Liotta with their program, Swanson said.

In addition, Estancia and Costa Mesa had fun together as both teams competed in the two-day Pahrump tournament in Nevada earlier this month.

— Steve Virgen