Walla Walla - The Chiefs did Moses Lake proud taking second place at the Big Nine District  golf tournament in Walla Walla over the weekend. Richland finish first with a team score of 599.

Moses Lake was 49 strokes off the pace with 648,  host Walla Walla shot 662 to finish third, Wenatchee (670) placed fourth, and Eisenhower (735) took fifth. Davis and Chiawana team scores were incomplete.

Leading the way for the Chiefs was Brenden Cox who shot 79 on both courses to finish with a total score of 158, which was good enough for a sixth place finish.

Nick Sutherland totaled 168 and came in seventh. Both golfers will advance to the state tournament  at the Hangman Valley Golf and Country Club in Spokane May 22.

"We played districts at the Walla Walla Country Club and Wine Valley. It was 36 holes in 90 degree weather," coach JR Cox said. "We had two kids make state. Brenden and Nick battled through some bad holes, but played their last four strong. They have not played in heat like this let alone playing 36 holes in a day."

Brody Mildbrandt shot 161, but failed to make the cut after losing in a four-man playoff for the final two spots.

"Brody shot 86 his first round, but bounced back with a 75 on the second 18 to get himself into the playoff. He made a lot of people feel like he is a player to watch in the future," Cox said. "Kellan (Roellich), Tanner (Montgomery)and Austin (Rogers) played their hearts out for us and they we're also a big reason we took second place."

The top eight golfers and one alternate from district will make the trip to Spokane.

"Brenden and Nick have been two of our best practice players. They deserve to go and I'm glad for them," Cox said. "As a coach, it's a great feeling when you see guys who work their tales off and spend hours practicing get rewarded."