Spokane’s Thomas qualifies for PNGA final

VICTORIA, British Columbia – Spokane’s Chessey Thomas advanced to today’s final of the 111th Pacific Northwest Women’s Amateur Championship with a pair of match-play wins Thursday at Bear Mountain Golf Resort.

Thomas, the third seed, defeated Kaitlyn Oster of Portland 2 up in the quarterfinals, and topped seventh-seeded Aubrie Street of Medford, Ore., 2 up in the semifinals.

Thomas, who graduated from St. George’s but played golf at Lewis and Clark, will meet Amanda Baker of Nanaimo, B.C., in today’s 36-hole final.

Thomas competes for Tennessee and Baker is a member of North Carolina State’s team.

Baker began the day by eliminating LC grad and top-seeded Megan Haase 2 and 1 in the quarterfinals. Fifth-seeded Sydney Kersten, also of LC, won her quarterfinal 2 and 1 over Pamela Burneski of Surrey, B.C.

Baker defeated Kersten 3 and 2 in the semifinals. The golfers were tied after 11 holes, but Baker birdied the 12th after hitting her approach within 2 feet of the cup.