Karen Quincy Loberg / Star staff Oaks Christian's Chase Whiddon, right, watches his drive at the first tee with St. Bonaventure's Adam Carter during Thursday's tournament at Soule Park.

Oak Park High's Alex Ferman shot a 69 on Thursday for medalist honors and helped the Eagles earn their third straight Tri-Valley League meet victory and take a three-point lead in the league points race.

Ferman's heroics came on the par 72 Soule Park Golf Course in Ojai.

"I found my swing," said Ferman, a sophomore. "I didn't putt bad."

Ferman has been playing golf for eight years.

Ferman, a native of St. Louis, said he started hitting golf balls at the range with his dad.

Ferman said his Eagles played a strong round.

Malibu finished second with a 393 score. Joe Rosenthal led the way with a 72.

Oaks Christian was third at 416. Ryan Prosser shot a 74.

Senior Adam Carter registered a 73 to lead fourth-place St. Bonaventure with 430. Carter was the individual league champion in 2007 and will play college golf at UC Santa Barbara. Villanova was fifth at 432. Alex Romo shot a 78. Bishop Diego finished sixth at 462. Max Kwock shot 84. Nordhoff finished seventh with a 472. Tyler Wadsworth shot an 81.

Rosenthal is the league's best player after three tournaments. He has a 224 total. He shot 77 in the first league meet at Olivas and then followed with a 75 at Malibu.

Rosenthal has been playing golf for four years.

Rosenthal practices with his team on the Lindero driving range.

"I've been struggling with my short game," he said. "I've always been a pretty good ball striker."

Rosenthal had six birdies on Thursday. He had birdies on hole Nos. 1, 2, 11, 13, 17 and 18. He had an eagle on the 475-yard 14th hole, a par 4.

"This was my best tournament," he said. "Everything was perfect. The greens were a little and sandy, but I've seen the course better."

Rosenthal said he grew up watching his dad, Walter, play at Riviera Country Club.

Walter Rosenthal is the CEO of Bobby Jones Golf.

Oak Park has 21 points, scoring seven points for each tournament victory. Malibu is second at 18, finishing second three times for six points. Oaks Christian is third with 14 points. St. Bonaventure is fourth with 12 points. Villanova is fifth with 10 points. Bishop Diego is sixth with six points and Nordhoff is seventh with points.

There will be four more league meets to decide a champion.