Rangers Just Miss Team Qualification, Send Six to NWAC Championships

The Olympic College golf teams wrapped up NWAC league play this weekend at Latah Creek Golf Course in Spokane, where a tightly contested final match determined which teams would move on to the Championships in Yakima. While both Ranger squads came up just short in the team standings, six OC golfers qualified individually and will represent the program at Apple Tree Golf Course in two weeks.

On the women's side, the Rangers placed sixth in the tournament and finished seventh in the overall league standings, narrowly missing out on a team berth. Columbia Basin College continued their dominant spring campaign, taking the team title and heading into the postseason as the top seed. Centralia's standout, Jayda Thomas, captured medalist honors at 10-over par with rounds of 76 and 78 for a 154 total.

Leading the way for Olympic was sophomore captain Elizabeth Mellum, who carded 90 and 85 to finish 10th at 175. Freshman Ava Guthrie placed 20th with rounds of 91 and 100 for a total of 191. Sophomore Kate Peterson shot 110 and 114 to finish 32nd at 224, and freshman Kiyomi McKenzie followed in 33rd with rounds of 120 and 116 for 236. Mellum, Guthrie, and Peterson all earned individual bids to the NWAC Championships and will continue their seasons in Yakima.

The Ranger men nearly pulled off a dramatic qualification run, staying in contention until the final few holes. Ultimately, OC finished seventh—just one stroke behind Blue Mountain for sixth and six shots back of fifth-place Skagit Valley. Bellevue College rallied from a two-shot deficit to win by five over host Spokane, locking up the third seed heading into the postseason. Bellevue's Matthew Davison stormed back with a 2-under 70 on Day 2 to earn medalist honors.

Freshman Casey Carter led the charge for OC with consistent rounds of 78–78 to tie for 21st. Sophomore captain Orlando Chiquiti posted 81 and 80 to finish tied for 29th at 161. Close behind, Seth Headrick tied for 32nd with rounds of 79 and 84 for a 163 total. Sophomore Ashton Purser turned in his best tournament of the season, shooting 79 and 86 to tie for 36th at 165. Freshman Inde Turgeon matched Purser's consistency with a pair of 83s to finish 39th at 166, and sophomore Spencer Harader carded 95 and 91 to place 53rd at 186.

Although the teams narrowly missed qualifying, the Rangers will still have a strong presence at the NWAC Championships. Chiquiti, Carter, and Headrick each earned individual invitations and will join Mellum, Guthrie, and Peterson in Yakima. Best of luck to our six qualifiers, and congratulations to all the Rangers on an exciting and competitive spring season!