Mt. Spokane golfers looking for state sweep
One by one, the Mt. Spokane boys golf team has checked off its list of goals.
The Wildcats exceeded their preseason goal of winning two tournaments by claiming five. They won the Greater Spokane League title for the first time in school history. They won the 3A district championship for the fourth straight year.
“Our last goal is to win the state title,” coach Greg Schultz said. “It takes a lot of luck, but I know we’re good enough.”
They’re not alone. Mt. Spokane’s girls, led by the Bezdicek sisters, figure to be in the title chase at the State 3A tournament Tuesday and Wednesday at Esmeralda. Five Mt. Spokane boys qualified for state, which begins a two-day run Tuesday at Indian Canyon.
Lewis and Clark, with four qualifiers, is pursuing its first State 4A girls title since 2009 at MeadowWood on Tuesday and Wednesday. Mead’s Stephen Thoen, the GSL player of the year and district champion, leads area boys at the 4A tournament at Hangman Valley.
4A
The Lewis and Clark girls finished third last year and second in 2010. Bellarmine Prep has won the last two titles.
“This is the strongest team I’ve had since 2009 because they all got in,” coach Michelle Grafos said. “It’s not that we haven’t been strong. It’s just getting out of districts is always a challenge.”
Senior Megan Haase has three top 10s at state, including a tie for third last year. Sisters Sierra and Sydney Kersten and Katie Larson complete a strong lineup.
The field of 80 is cut to 40 and ties after the first round. Players advancing to the second round are eligible to score points.
“We have three consistently shooting in the 70s and Katie is a great player,” the University of Colorado-bound Haase said. “We have a really good shot, especially since we’ve played MeadowWood so much.”
Thoen won districts with rounds of 71 at Qualchan at 73 at Liberty Lake, finishing ahead of Ferris’ Tanner Comes (76-71) and Eric Ansett (76-72).
“I’m going to try to play my game and go shot to shot,” Thoen said.
3A
Mt. Spokane’s Sierra Bezdicek took second as a freshman last season. Older sister Savana has finished ninth, first and fourth, respectively, the past three years. They’re joined at state by Hailey Warren, who placed fourth in last week’s district tournament.
“I’m so proud of the three girls representing us,” coach Eleen Northcutt said. “We’re looking for that team title after getting second last year. Wouldn’t that be something to have us and the boys both bring home a state title?”
Mt. Spokane’s boys claimed the top six spots at districts, but there are only five berths to state. Zack Spencer won a three-hole playoff over teammates Nick Thurston and Tyler McQuilkin. Tye Morrison finished two shots back and Marcus Bolam was three behind.