Jason Oliveira shifted into analytical mode Wednesday, processing scores from the Patterson High boys golf team’s 2009 campaign.

For the most part, the first-year coach liked what he saw.

The Tigers ended the regular season with a pair of make-up wins over Gustine, 276-312 and 275-322, to avoid finishing at the bottom of the Western Athletic Conference standings.

But this season was never about wins and losses.

“Our season began with 14 players, and when all was said and done, we had a solid core of eight,” Oliveira said. “This core showed great improvement over the course of the season, making it a true success.

“We accomplished our main goal, which was to get better and build toward next year.”

At last week’s WAC tournament, the Tigers took to the greens for the final time this season.

While no one on the Tigers advanced to the Sac-Joaquin Section Division V tournament, Oliveira was nonetheless proud of his athlete’s performances.

“When our season began, it was evident that we had a lot of work before us, and these players fought through the difficulties of ‘beginning golf,’” Oliveira said. “They faced much frustration and were thrown into competition against seasoned players, which only adds to the difficulty level.”

Freshman Alex Whitney emerged as the Tigers’ top golfer this year, a role Oliveira hopes he will embrace next season.

“(Whitney) took major steps as our year concluded,” Oliveira said. “He took a firm grip on this team’s No. 1 spot and will be the natural leader for next year’s team.”

Oliveira is optimistic about the future of Patterson boys golf.

“This group is committed to improvement,” Oliveira said. “I’m sure many of them will be playing through the summer, and we’ll be back next year, eager to compete,” Oliveira said.