Solveig Nygaard won second place in the girls tournament and Tristan Kelly and Blake Shusterman both finished in the top 15 with the boys to pace Thompson Falls in the Plains Invitational golf tournament at Wild Horse Plains golf course Saturday.

Thompson Falls coach Doree Thilmony said Nygaard is a champion in her book, regardless of where she finishes on any particular leader board. Solveig carded a 95, second only to the 91 scored by Oakley Berg of Florence, the individual girls winner in the Plains Invitational.

“Solveig has been a great leader for our golf program,” Thilmony said adding that she obviously is not the only one thinking that. “A competitor's parent stopped her after the tournament and commented on her poise and leadership through the round.” Thilmony said Nygaard recorded five pars and needed only 31 putts total to record her fine score.

Thilmony said Kelly also made five pars on only 33 putts on his way to a 91 to lead the Hawk boys, and that she appreciates his ability to bounce back after tough shots. She added that he is becoming more of a student of the game and learning to prepare better, and sees him continuing to improve.

Ironman Shusterman, who really loves his irons, was frustrated by the down times between tee boxes, but still shot a respectable 97. Thilmony anticipates lower scores from Shusterman with a faster pace of play in coming tournaments.

Billy Detlaff, Jonathan Toyias and Grady Dana all played their first varsity tournament rounds of golf Saturday, and Thilmony says all three are eager golfers who will continue to improve with additional experience under their belts.