Cowgirl golfers lead district, Cowboys in third

After day one of the Special District 1 golf championship both the Crook County High School girls and boys golf teams are positioned well to qualify for the state finals.

The Cowgirls have a 24 stroke lead over second place Banks at the tournament, which is being held at Quail Valley Golf Course in Banks.

Crook County posted a round of 403 for 18 holes, while Banks shot a round of 427 and Valley Catholic was a distant third with a score of 443 at the Class 4A/3A/2A/1A girls tournament.

Meanwhile, at the Class 4A boys tournament, the Cowboys are in a solid third place behind Seaside and Tillamook. Seaside holds a sizeable lead after posting a round of 317, while Tillamook shot a 346 and the Cowboys are one shot back at 347 at the tournament, which is also being held at Quail Valley Golf Course.

The Cowgirls were able to take the early lead despite not having any golfer break 100. Both Sawyer McDonald and Merritt O'Gorman posted rounds of 100, while Haylee Noland shot a round of 101 and Aspen Gunderson posted a score of 102. The final Cowgirl at the tournament was Paisley Wood, who shot a round of 128. Madeleona Senser of Valley Catholic was in first place at the end of day one with a round of 73, while Vishaka Priyeon of Catlin Gabel was second with a score of 79. The only other girl to break 100 was Katelyn Vasser of The Dalles with a round of 97.

In the boys tournament, Massimo Careghano of Molalla leads with a score of 71, while Tillamook's Triston Farber was second with a score of 79. Zach Nash was the top Crook County performer with a score of 84, good enough to tie for fifth place overall. Codey Ortiz was next in for Crook County with a round of 85. He was followed by Beau Parker, 88, and Alex and Brit Iverson with rounds of 90.

The tournament continues Tuesday with either the top four teams from both the boys and girls tournaments qualifying for state. The 4A/3A/2A/1A girls championships will be held May 13-14 at Tokatee Golf Course, which is between Sisters and Eugene. The boys 4A event will be held at Emerald Valley Golf Club in Creswell, also on the 13th and 14th.