By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

KEIZER, Ore.– Cascade junior Maddie Dustin is a competitor and doesn’t like to fail.  But even when things might go wrong for her, she always looks towards the positive of the situation.

“I just don’t give up and I try most of the time to keep my head up when things don’t go right.  Sometimes I get a little mad, you just move onto the next hole,” Dustin describes.

Monday started the 4A/3A/2A/1A Special District 2  Girls District Tournament at the McNary Golf Course in Keizer and, for Dustin, there were some momentums of frustration on the 18-hole course on Day 1.  But the Cougar golfer credits her putting in helping her pull through the elements of wind, clouds and sun to post a 74 on the first day of the Tournament.  Taking a 10-stroke lead into Tuesday’s final round over La Pine’s Kylee Smith, who’s sitting second going into Day 2 with sister Hailey Smith third with a 89 score.

“Putting was just the key to my game today. I didn’t do good other than that.  Putting saved all of my strokes today,” laughs Dustin.  “Just go into it as a new day tomorrow and not worried about what I did today and just play like I usually play.”

Sitting fourth is Salem Academy’s Alex Willcoxen, who shot a 96.  The freshman worked through some nerves through the front nine holes before piecing together a solid round thanks to a good back nine to close out the day Monday.

“The first part was rough, but the second nine I tried to do my best and it worked out and I think I did good,” Willcoxen said.  “It’s not that bad.  I’m good, I’m feeling confident”

Waldport’s Madison Olson rounded out the Top 5 with a 100. The Crusaders Lexie Santana shot a 103, North Marion’s Riley Patzer shot a 108 as some local athletes on Day 1.  Blanchet’s Lily Castaneda led the Cavaliers with a 115.  Laurel Bjornstedt led Stayton with a 116 on Day 1. 

Day 2 starts at 11am Tuesday at McNary Golf Course.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald