JUPITER — An unsung hero helped Benjamin boys golf begin their title defense on the front foot.
Matthew Stigliano shot a 70 (2-under) to lead the Buccaneers against Winter Park on Friday afternoon at Bear's Club in Jupiter.
Benjamin bested their Orlando-based opponents by 18 strokes, with each team fielding eight golfers to get their complete rosters involved in the action.
Andrew Tsar, one of the Bucs' top golfers, was unavailable for the match, though the team took care of business in his absence.
Stigliano, who split time in and out of the starting five last year with then-senior Maurice Hoben, looks like a shoe-in for the Benjamin lineup this season — and he certainly
hasn't disappointed in the early going.
"He really started stepping up last year toward the end, and I could see the potential," Benjamin coach Toby Harbeck said. "He really improved this summer."
Stigliano birdied five times in the back nine to pace the Buccaneers, while Charlie Woods (I-over) shot the second lowest score on the team.
"I'm expecting big things from him," Harbeck said of Stigliano. "Really big things. I think he may be the one to watch. He's going to be the sleeper, that's for sure."
Scores against Winter Park
Matthew Stigliano: 70 (2-under)
Charlie Woods: 73 (1-over)
Brooks Colton: 74 (2-over)
Jack Davidson: 74 (2-over)
Clint Lewis: 81 (9-over)
Photos from the season opener
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Matthew Stigliano could be Benjamin golf's surprise 'sleeper' in 2026
