By Pete Borello

Golf is challenging enough with all its sand traps, water hazards and trees. So imagine adding steady rain, strong winds and occasional hail to the mix.

St. Francis High’s Kevin Lozares encountered such weather conditions near the end of his round at the Northern California boys golf regional, held May 20 at Monarch Bay Golf Course in San Leandro.

“I’ve played in wind and rain, but never together like it was,” he said. “There was a black cloud above us. The last four holes, there were supposedly 60 mph winds. It was really difficult to keep my balance while putting - and the ball was shaking.”

The sophomore weathered the storm - which forced tournament officials to pull golfers off the course for an hour moments after Lozares’ group entered the clubhouse - and wound up tying for the day’s top score (73). Elk Grove senior Spencer Levin later beat out Lozares for the individual title by sinking a 25-foot putt on the third hole of a playoff.

Winning the individual championship wasn’t Lozares’ first priority, however.

“You could tell he was more disappointed with how we finished as a team than how he did individually,” St. Francis coach Dave Ferriera said.

The Lancers, who captured the NorCal title last year, finished third at this year’s event with a four-player score of 311.

Alvin Lata had St. Francis’ second-best score, shooting 77 to place 18th. Not bad for a freshman who played on the junior-varsity team until about a month ago.

“Coach brought Alvin up at the right time,” Lozares said, “and he paid off big.”

The Lancers’ next-best scorer was Chris Whalen (80, 31st place), followed by Todd Scanlin (81, 39th), Mike Jensen (82, 49th) and Brett Giurlani (82, 50th).

Scanlin is the only senior among the group, which makes St. Francis’ accomplishments this season even more impressive. Prior to the NorCal tourney, the Lancers claimed the West Catholic Athletic League crown and the Central Coast Section championship.

“No one expected us to do as well as we did,” said Lozares, a Mountain View resident. “Everyone stepped up this year.”

Ferriera, however, didn’t seem completely surprised by his team’s success.

“They didn’t expect it, but I’m not sure I ever let them know what my feelings were,” the second-year coach said. “By watching them every day, I knew what they were capable of.”