Girls golf earns fifth-place finish at state

The Sisters High School girls' golf team finished fifth at the 4A-3A-2A-1A State Golf Tournament, held at the Eagle Crest Ridge Course on Monday and Tuesday, May 18-19.

St. Mary's won the tournament with a two-day total of 680, followed by runner-up Molalla, who finished at 702. Gladstone placed third (729), Henley fourth (767) and Sisters fifth, at 774.

Emily Rawls and Shelby Ross led the Outlaws to their fifth-place finish. Rawls shot an 85-92 and Ross an 82-95 to give them both a two-day total of 177 and a tie for 10th place overall out of 91 players.

"Emily and Shelby continued to lead the team as they have all season," said Coach Mary Flande. "Their senior leadership was so valuable to our team, and I was so happy they both placed in the top 10. Both players had great rounds on Monday."

Ross was in her zone on day one and shot a career best 82. Rawls had a great start, and after eight holes was just three over par. She struggled a bit on hole No. 9 but battled back to finish strong at 85.

Ross said, "I was so excited with my score. I kept my head in it and my mood was consistent, which made my swing easy and consistent. The second day was rough. It was really windy and hard to read which way it was blowing. But, overall, I was pleased. My goal was to be in the top 10, and I was."

Freshman Hannah Harrer, in her first state tournament appearance, carded a 100-98 for a two-day total of 198, Stephanie Cole shot 123-99 (222) and Paige Stevens a 129-117 for 246.

Of Harrer's performance Flande said, "This is the first freshman we've had at the tournament to get under 100, and I'm proud of Hannah and her efforts."

With a big smile on her face, Rawls said, "It's been a great year. I know we surprised a lot of people with how well we did. Personally, I'm happy with the goals I achieved, and I'm happy Shelby and I tied for 10th place. It was a great way to end the season."

Flande stated, "What a great year for these seniors. A fifth-place finish is very respectable considering four of our five players were playing in the state tournament for the first time."

Flande also expressed thanks to Aspen Lakes and the Cyrus family for all they've done for the golf program this year and their continued support of Outlaws athletics. She also noted the countless hours of support and help the team received from all the parents and volunteers.