The Redmond High girls’ golf team battled through a tough start and one of the most challenging state fields in recent years to place fourth in the the 4A state golf championships last Thursday at Sun Willows Golf course in Pasco.

Lewis and Clark, led by state champion Chessey Thomas, ran away from the field, but the second through fourth spots were very tight.

Richland finished second with 69.50 team points, followed by Kamiak at 67, edging out Redmond’s 66 points.

Mustangs’ captain Kara Zitzman struggled to a opening-round 78 on Wednesday, but bounced back strong the second day to shoot an even-par 72 and jump from 13th to eighth.

Other Mustangs making the cut were Kelly Kennewick (76-82-158, tied for 20th), Sydney Conway (83-80-163, tied for 29th), and Kelly O’Donnell (82-87-169, 39th).

Although they were unable to defend their 4A title, the Mustangs brought home a state trophy and banner for the third consecutive year, with all participating athletes shooting below their season averages at state.

On the boys’ side, the Mustangs sent the Mroz brothers, Charlie and Alex, to Canyon Lakes Golf Course in Kennewick.

Alex missed the cut by one shot with an unfortunate bogey on the 18th hole, and Charlie shot a consistent 77-77-154 to finish in a seven-way tie for 17th place.

Eastlake standout Kevin Penner won the individual title with a birdie on the first playoff hole against Snohomish High School’s Michael Jaeger and Dylan Stensland.

Owls fly to fourth

Led by the solid play of team captain Alec Pakzad, who placed fifth with two rounds of one-under-par 71 at Columbia Point Golf Course in Richland, Overlake took fourth at the 1A state golf championships.

Right behind Pakzad was teammate Reid Fredrickson with an even-par 73-71-144 total and a seventh-place finish. Overlake’s Philip Falco also made the top-40 cut.

The 1A title was won by King’s High School with a team total of 159.5 points. The Owls finished with 73.5 points.