An experienced The Dalles High Riverhawks girls golf team, led by two-time state tournament qualifier Katelyn Vassar, will be seeking to have more success this year than they’ve had in previous seasons.
The Riverhawks, guided by third-year Coach Nate Timmons, started practice with five golfers Feb. 26 on the nine-hole The Dalles Country Club course. The Riverhawks are preparing for their OSAA Class 4A/3A/2A/1A Special District 1 nine-event schedule which starts March 15 with the Dufur Invitational Tournament at 10 a.m. in The Dalles.
“Practice has been going pretty good actually and things are looking promising for our team,” said Timmons. “This is a good group of girls; they’re good kids and we’re going to have a very competitive team this year.”
Along with Vassar, junior Madison Grant is a returning varsity player from last year along with Morgan Kalsch. Freshmen Riley Elliot and Kailee Klindt are newcomers to the team.
Vassar is hoping to reach the state tournament again this year. Last year, Vassar finished eighth after shooting a two-round score of 168 in the state championship event at Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis. Vassar has a top personal best score of 80 and won three tournaments last season.
Timmons said: “Katelyn has actually played in the state tournament the last three years. In 2021, she played in a tournament that was considered the state championship, but it was the unofficial COVID-19 season (non-sanctioned OSAA event).”
The Dalles will host the Riverhawk Invitational March 19 at 10 a.m. at The Dalles Country Club.
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