Christen finishes sixth at district golf championships

Senior Emily Christen played her best golf ever at the 4A-3A-2A-1A Special District 2 Golf Tournament held at the Santiam Golf Club on Monday and Tuesday, May 11-12.

Thirteen schools were represented at the tourney.

On Monday, Christen carded a 55 on the front nine, and then bettered her score by seven strokes on the back nine to card a 48, for a total of 103 for the round. On day two, Christen started off even better than where she'd left off the previous day, and shot a 43 on the front nine. She carded a 51 on the back nine for a 94, for a two-day-total of 197.

Coach Bill Mitchell said, "Emily had never played this course before, and she just did great. She's a strong player, hit the ball well, and really got a feel for the course. To shoot a 43, with four pars on the second day, was just amazing. We've worked all year for that. What a way to go out!"

Christen finished sixth out of 42 players, and earned second-team all-district honors.

Coach Mitchell said, "Emily was only one place away from making first-team. It's amazing the progress she's made during the year. She never gave up, and just got better and better, and really improved her game around the green. She's very deserving of this award."

Taft took first-place honors with a two-day-total of 781. Blanchet was second at 815, and Newport took third at 914.

The boys played on Monday and Tuesday at the Tokatee Golf Course, in the Boys 4A Special District 2 Tournament.

Cottage Grove finished first out of nine teams, with a two-day-total of 718. Junction City was runner-up at 732, and Stayton was fourth at 747. Sweet Home took fourth with a score of 819.

Devin Robillard and Kade Owen represented Sisters at the tourney. Robillard carded a 106 on day one and a 108 on day two for a total of 214. Owen shot an 115-114 (229).

Robillard finished in the middle of the pack out of 41 players.

Mitchell said, "Both the boys' ball-striking from the tee to the green has really improved, but again the chipping and putting needs some work. Several times they had three- and four-putts on the green. They are both just sophomores and plan to play next year. Hopefully, they'll work on their game over the summer."