WOODLAND — Union sophomore Jade Gruher struggled to find words to describe what Thursday’s district golf title meant after she put the final touches on a second-round 77 at Lewis River Golf Course.
Her two-day total of 153 was the lowest of any golfer at the 4A/3A Greater St. Helens League District Tournament.
“A lot of work has been put into going to districts today,” Gruher said. “I’m just happy I could shoot well.”
She bested 3A individual champion Liz Dolan, of Kelso, by just one stroke. Dolan, a senior, fired a 74-80 to top the 3A field at 154.
For Gruher, the district title was just one of many goals she has set for herself.
She wants to take down several school records, starting with the low-round total of 34. Her 33 on the front nine Thursday would have broken the record if it were in a nine-hole league contest.
Best scoring average, most birdies and perhaps a state title are in Gruher’s future too, she hopes.
“Just meeting new people on my team, going out to the course every day and practicing has changed my mental game,” Gruher said. “I’ve gotten more relaxed and understood that one bad shot doesn’t end the hole.”
On Thursday, Gruher was not focused on long-term aspirations, instead relishing the time she had on the course this year. After her freshman season was canceled, she doesn’t take her opportunities for granted.
“Of course today would be one,” Gruher said of what she’ll remember most from this season. “But also just getting the time to play with the people I’ve met on the team. At least I got eight weeks to play with them.”
Gruher’s playing partner Thursday, Dolan knows well how quickly the time can pass. She wrapped up her high school career with the Hilanders and will play next year for NCAA Division II Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego.
A smile never left Dolan’s face Thursday as she cheered on her competitors’ shots. Even after a mis-hit ball or as the occasional downpour flooded bunkers, Dolan kept the same positive attitude.
“I’m really happy that I made it through,” Dolan said. “It was really tough conditions, but really I’m just happy I got to finish my career here.”
Dolan set the Kelso school record for lowest round this season with a 33, doing so twice. She also hit a hole-in-one in a league match on May 12.
“It’s definitely weird that my name is in (the record books),” Dolan said. “But also just very honored.”
Mountain View, led by Annika Yeh’s 75-85-160, captured the 3A team title. The Thunder topped Kelso 824-827. Kaila Bonawitz (86-79-165), Camryn Perry (124-119-243) and Kahlia Holmes (127-129) rounded out Mountain View’s scorers.
Camas won the 4A team title as Jacinda Lee (82-80-162), Callie Wengler (85-92-177), Ella Kim (88-96-184), Ashley Gillespie (92-94-186) and Elizabeth Gillespie (87-101-188) finished second through sixth places.
