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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

De La Torre, Schutte grab first-day leads

Charley Norell Staff writer

An effective way to approach a multiple-round golf tournament is to view it as a marathon, in which setting a conservative pace with solid pars and few mistakes can be the key to victory.

But it never hurts to treat it as a short-distance sprint by slinging together a bunch of birdies en route to a first-round lead.

Such was the case for Hockinson’s Gaston De La Torre, whose 4-under-par 67 Tuesday gave him a one-stroke lead over teammate Gerrit Chambers after the first round of the State 2A boys tournament at Downriver Golf Course.

De La Torre, who placed 13th in last year’s tournament after holding the first-round lead, shed positive light on the disappointing finish.

“I took it as a learning experience and I’ve learned how to stay focused, so it’s not going to happen this year,” said De La Torre, whose front-nine 31 included a string of five birdies in seven holes.

Chewelah’s Ross Monasmith followed up his runner-up finish at the District 7 tourney with a 73 and finds himself among a group of nine players who are within six shots of the lead.

“I kind of struggled on the back starting with No. 10, but I pulled it together and came in all right,” said Monasmith. “I’m striking the ball really well, so I’m pretty excited for tomorrow.”

District 7 champion Corey Meyers of Deer Park came in at 74.

Teammate Scott Huffman registered a 75 to put the Stags in the hunt for a team championship with Hockinson and Othello.

Pullman arrived at the tournament with three golfers, but will be unable to better its runner-up finish from last year, as Dillion Williams was the lone Greyhound to make the cut of 20 after shooting a 74.

“Today I didn’t hit many greens, but I chipped and putted really well,” Williams said. “Tomorrow I’ll try to hit a lot of fairways, because if you miss the fairways you find trouble in the trees. That could separate a lot of people tomorrow.”

Girls

Despite shooting what she claimed was “the worst round of her life” in the District 5/6 tourney, Othello senior Kimberly Schutte exhibited the play that earned her the 2004 title (by 10 strokes) after firing a 3-over 76.

“I’ve always been told it’s hard enough to win one state championship, and it’s even harder to win them back-to-back,” said Schutte, who finished fourth last year. “Last year was a bit of a letdown, so it’s been my driving force this year to end with a state championship.”

Playing in the final group with Schutte will be Colville’s Caroline Geiger (82) and Pullman’s Ashley Scourey (84).

“My short game and recovery shots went pretty well today,” said Scourey, who finished fifth last year. “This is my fourth year at state, so I’m used to the pressure and how to deal with it. Tomorrow I want to give myself a lot of birdie chances and make the easy pars. “

Chewelah’s Gracie Schory and Kelsey Harting, who placed first and second at the District 7 tournament, shot matching 91s. The Cougars are in the running for the team title with Woodland, King’s, Hockinson and Deer Park.

“For the most part I stayed in the fairways and that’s what I was looking for, so I’m not too disappointed,” said Harting. “Gracie and I did really well last year, so we’re looking to pull ahead this year and do even better.”