Sommerfield shoots even par, nabs state berth

BLANCHARD — Chris Williams, arguably the top boys golfer in the state, shot a seven under par 65 to lead Moscow, which won both the boys and girls titles at the 4A Region 1 tournament at Stoneridge Golf Course Wednesday afternoon.

Dan Sommerfield had his best round of the season to lead the Sandpoint boys, carding an even par 72 and becoming the lone Bulldog golfer to qualify for state. Chris Rhyne fired an 82, also his best round of the year, but nerves cost the boys team as they lost to Moscow by 24 strokes.

“I thought we played really tight, had a lot of out of bounds on shots you wouldn’t expect,” said Sandpoint boys coach Mike Keough. “Chris and Dan had outstanding days. Dan’s capable of a top 3-5 finish at state.”

The boys state meet will be held Monday and Tuesday in Jerome.

Senior Anna Ballard shot a 97 to lead the Sandpoint girls team, good for fourth overall, finishing just three strokes away from securing an individual berth to state. Head coach Jim Alsager believes if the season were a couple weeks longer, Ballard would also be heading to state.

“I’m especially proud of Anna,” said Alsager, lamenting the lack of playing time in the weather-shortened season. “She’s getting better and better every time out.”

Bonnie Snow and Michelle Stone each shot 104’s, as the Bulldogs finished only eight strokes behind Moscow. They thought they might have won it, but Moscow’s No. 5 player shot nine strokes better than the No. 4 player, squelching their hopes of grabbing the team title.

BOYS (top team and top three individuals qualify for state)

TEAM SCORES — 1, Moscow, 308. 2, Sandpoint 332. 3, Lakeland 360.

MEDALIST — Chris Williams, Mos, 65.

MOSCOW — Chris Williams 65, Shaun Hill 75, Sam Humble 84, Roby Jung 97, Michael Wagner 84.

SANDPOINT — Dan Sommerfield 72, Colton Story 87, Eli Brent 93, Chris Rhyne 82, Bryan Keough 91.

LAKELAND — Tyler Ettner 88, Kevin Rogers 95, Lucas Portello 91, Ryan Ettner 86, Nate Smith 101.

GIRLS (top team and top three individuals qualify for state)

TEAM SCORES — 1, Moscow, 404. 2, Sandpoint, 412. 3, Lakeland, incomplete.

MEDALIST — Karen Christian 88.

MOSCOW — Karen Christian 88, Nikki Tatham 89, Cindy Pitkin 114, Kelsey Adair 124, Sara Kimberling 113.

SANDPOINT — Bonnie Snow 104, Michelle Stone 104, Jessie Merwin 107, Sandy Whalen 110, Anna Ballard 97.

LAKELAND — Chelsea Land 94, Carson Sharrai 110.