Dianda, Petro represent Medical Lake at 1A state golf in Pasco

Familiarity with the course paid off for Medical Lake in the District 7 golf championships last week.

Having played at Chewelah in both sub-districts, and in an invitational where they scored a rare victory, the Cardinals were able to advance a pair of golfers to state.

Sophomore Logan Dianda and junior Brendan Petro, along with alternate Michael O’Brien, were competing this past week in the 1A boys tournament at Sun Willows Golf Course in Pasco.

Dianda shot rounds of 95 and 93 for a two-day total of 188, while Petro recovered from an opening round 101 with an 88 on day-two for a 189. Ryan Maine of Freeman led all qualifiers with a 143, including an opening-round 68.

Dianda had a solid time at sub-districts and he equaled that effort, his coach, Jim Mason said. “Chewelah is a tough course, it’s real tight and you can get in trouble in a hurry,” he added.

“Logan’s one of those guys who is a die-hard practice kid; he basically worked his way in,” Mason said. Dianda’s long game in the practice round gave his coach reason to believe he, too, can advance.

Conversely to Dianda, Petro didn’t shoot very well at sub-districts two weeks ago. However, that effort did not bother him. “He went up to Chewelah in that rainstorm and shot an 88, which is a heck of a score,” Mason said.

Petro stepped up his game. “I had a feeling he was going to,” Mason said. “He kind of plays under pressure pretty well anyway.” Petro’s short game and putting were the keys to his success.

“He’s capable of making that second day (cut) because he’s got a really good game,” he added. Petro went out and shot and 88 in a practice round Monday, but based on past history will need to score an 84 to make the second day.

Mason said he felt for O’Brien, a senior who had been playing real solid golf the past few weeks. If another golfer does not make it to Pasco, O’Brien will get to play.

Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.