Rangers Battle Narrow Fairways and Firm Greens in Centralia

The Olympic College golf teams took on the elements and tough scoring conditions this week at the Centralia College League Match, held at Riverside Golf Course. With firm greens and a steady west wind throughout both days, scoring was at a premium, but the Rangers showed grit and consistency as league play rolled into its second leg.

On the women's side, Columbia Basin College continued its dominant run with a team total of 522, while the Ranger women placed sixth at 584. Bellevue's Jaclyn Woo claimed the individual title with rounds of 83 and 78 for a 161 total, winning by three strokes.

Sophomore captain Elizabeth Mellum led the way for Olympic, tying for seventh with rounds of 84 and 90 for a 174 total. Freshman Ava Guthrie followed closely, tying for 13th at 183 after a strong Day 2 bounce-back. Sophomore Kate Peterson carded a 227 to place 31st, while freshman Kiyomi McKenzie made her league debut, posting a 118 on Day 2 and gaining valuable tournament experience.

In the men's field, Southwest Oregon Community College took home the team title with a total of 596, powered by medalist Finn Smolders, who shot 74–69 to finish at +1 and win by a single stroke.

For the Rangers, captain Orlando Chiquiti paced the squad with a +13 total to tie for 12th, while fellow sophomore Seth Headrick fired a 77 on Day 2 to finish at 160 and tie for 26th alongside freshman Casey Carter, who bounced back from an 85 with a 75. Freshman Inde Turgeon tied for 40th at 170, and sophomores Ashton Purser and Spencer Harader each posted 171 to tie for 44th.

The Rangers now turn their attention east, where they'll finish NWAC league play at Latah Creek Golf Course in Spokane. With playoff spots on the line and the Apple Tree Golf Course in Yakima still within reach, both teams will need strong, steady play throughout the lineup to secure a trip to the NWAC Championships.