State girls golf: Freshman Thomas guides trio of Tigers

Lewis and Clark, led by freshman Chessey Thomas, boasted the best record among Greater Spokane League schools after the first day of the State 4A tournament Monday at the Avalon Golf Links in Burlington.

Thomas, a St. George’s student playing for the Tigers, shot two 38 splits in the first round, finishing at 4-over-par 76. She said she was unhappy with her score, which placed her tied for sixth and advanced her to the final round today.

“My putting was off,” Thomas said. “I put myself in good positions for birdies, but then nerves would kick in and I would miss.”

Also advancing for the Tigers were Morgan Fuhs, who shot an 83 and is tied for 24th, and Katrina Bech, tied for 38th at 89.

Mead juniors Brittany Wilcox and Lauren Howell also advanced.

Howell, this year’s District 8 champion, shot a 7-over 79 and is tied for 15th among 43 remaining competitors. Wilcox is tied for 24th after shooing an 83.

Howell said her district victory added to the pressure and may have affected her play.

“I do feel like I had high expectations, I came in thinking way too much,” she said. “But on the back nine I brought it back together, found my swing and made some big putts.”

The tournament leader after the first day is Kamiak freshman Seo Hee Moon, who shot a 5-under 67. She has a five-shot lead on Olympia senior Carter Schick.

Central Valley senior Katie Sorenson shot an 84 and is tied for 26th. Ferris senior Lauren Kato, who placed fourth at district, shot 90, one stroke out of making the cut.

Today’s play begins at 8 a.m.

3A

Issaquah junior Brittany Tallman takes a four-shot lead into the final round after shooting even-par 72 at Sudden Valley Golf & Country Club in Bellingham. East Valley senior Ashley Saffle is tied for 19th at 86.

2A

Senior Katie Sharpe, with a 73, led a 1-2-3 Bellingham effort after the first day at Semiahmoo Golf & Country Club. Clarkston senior Kaylin Carlson shot 89 and is tied for 12th.

1A

Junior Gracie Schory, second place at 88, and senior teammate Kelsey Harting, third at 90, led Chewelah’s strong showing at North Bellingham Golf Course. Freeman junior Darby Moberg is fifth at 95. Chelan freshman Kelli Bowers (81) leads by seven shots.

2B/1B

Seniors KyLee Schmunk of Lind-Ritzville and Kaiti Robinson of Tekoa-Oakesdale are tied for fifth after shooting 100s at Lake Padden Golf Course in Bellingham. Lopez senior Isabelle Tetu (91) has a two-shot lead.