MLHS girls golfer makes appearance at state tournament
MIKE MAYNARD | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 months, 1 week AGO
MOSES LAKE – Moses Lake girls golf has officially wrapped up for the year after a state tournament appearance for Lilliana Roylance. After playing through the district tournament and qualifying for states, she made it to day one but was unable to move onto day two.
“I was very excited to get her over there and qualify (for state competition). We've had girls qualify the past three years and I was happy that she qualified this year,” Mavs girls coach Kevin Whittall said.
On day one Roylance shot 119, which ultimately prevented her from moving onto day two of the state tournament. Weather played a key role in her performance, with rain delays causing disruption to her routine, according to Whittall.
“I mean, it was 20 minutes of rain, maybe five minutes of sun and 20 minutes of rain and wind, so it was kind of a miserable time, and she couldn't really get into the groove,” he said.
Roylance was the only girls golfer to make it to the state tournament. At district, the two top teams are taken to compete in qualifiers, and from there, the top four are selected to move onto states, according to Whittall.
Last year, Roylance missed out on the state tournament by two strokes, according to Whittall.
“A couple of the other Moses Lake girls went to state, and I think that motivated her to put a little extra time in when she had the time, and it paid off,” he said.
As she progressed through the season, she took on a leadership role with the younger players on the team, according to Whittall.
“She was the only returner coming back from last year's team, and so she was kind of the captain, and I had three girls that never really played varsity golf and she helped them out,” he said.
With the season now over, Whittall and Roylance look toward her senior season next year where she will have another opportunity to improve on this season.
“You know, she's got that taste in her mouth with (a state appearance) and you never want to go out with a 119, and so I know she wants to improve on that and I think that made Lily (say), ‘Okay, you know, I think I want to get to the second day,” Whittall said.
ARTICLES BY MIKE MAYNARD
Eagles suffer loss ahead of conference tourney
CHENEY — The Eastern Washington Eagles (13-18) were white hot coming into their game against the Vandals on an eight-game win streak. However, their momentum ran out at home as Idaho outscored the Eagles 85-81 Monday. “They just had an edge to them tonight,” Associate Head Coach Ryan Lundgren said. “They were the tougher team tonight, bottom line. I mean, they just wanted that game more than us."
Eagles fall after fourth quarter rally by Idaho
CHENEY — After a competitive first half, the Vandals were able to run away with the game 75-64, as they stunted any momentum Eastern Washington (14-17) built. Despite the loss, Head Coach Joddie Gleason felt her team played hard, according to a statement by EWU Athletics. “These were two good teams that battled tonight, and the conference champs took control in the fourth to secure the win,” Gleason said. “Ella Gallatin was absolutely amazing tonight and helped propel us into the lead at halftime. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep them off the glass to start the game and then again in the pivotal moments in the fourth. We didn't match their physicality, or we had the chance to steal the game in Moscow.”
Skjonsby’s late heroics lift Cougs to road win over Long Beach State
LONG BEACH, Cali. — After a late rally led by Ryan Skjonsby, the Washington State Cougars (5-6) defeated the Long Beach State Dirtbags 9-7 Sunday. In a postgame interview with WSU Athletics, Skjonsby credited his team for finding a way to win.
