Third time’s the charm for senior Elisa Sallee.
She returns to the Washington State 2A Golf Championship May 21-22, at The Classic in Spanaway. Maddy Fisher, a junior, returns to state for the second time.
Sallee qualified by winning a sudden death hole on May 14 at the Gold Mountain Golf Cascade in Bremerton against Sumner’s Samantha Walsh. Both girls shot 102 on 18 holes but Sallee earned the fifth state spot.
Girls coach Garrett Smithson said how districts went for Sallee wasn’t what she imagined happening. He anticipates both girls making it into the top 40 (of 80) at state and that both girls should perform well at the big stage.
Fisher, who started golf only three years ago, qualified for state taking fifth at the Olympic Meet on May 2 at Gold Mountain.
Her hope is to play well enough to make it to the second day.
Sallee hasn’t set any expectations at state.
“I’m happy with just going to state, again,” she said.
She’s played golf for a number of years, but not for Sequim High School until she was a sophomore.
“In the spring it’s been my life and I’ve come so close to all these girls,” Sallee said. “It’s become something of a passion and I’ve learned discipline and golf skills I’ll use my whole life.”
Also vying for a state berth were Caitlin Stofferahn (112) and Brianna Kettel (114).
Francis at districts
Jesse Francis, junior, qualified for districts, too, but he didn’t make the cut.
He shot 99 on May 14 at Gold Mountain, but coach Bill Shea said the cutoff for a playoff was 88.
Shea said Francis played well but had a few tough holes at the end.
Sequim also sent Alex McCracken as first alternate, but he didn’t play.
“It was a good season. We finished third in league behind undefeated Port Angeles and finished just behind Kingston,” Shea said.
“It was a rebuilding year and we’re looking forward to more growth next year.”
The boys participate in the Golf for Graduates event May 25 at SkyRidge Golf Course where players will be auctioned off to participate on teams with the four-person scramble.
