Westin Billeci and Zoey Zuern from Ilwaco High School will play at the 2023 WIAA 2B state golf tournament after good qualifying scores at Districts in Longview last week.

LONGVIEW — Two Ilwaco golfers have advanced to play at the state tournament.

Ilwaco High School sophomore Westin Billeci and senior Zoey Zuern are heading for the 2B golf championships at the Tumwater Valley Golf Club May 23 and 24.

On the first day of districts at Mint Valley Golf Course last week, Billeci shot a round of 96, the only Ilwaco golfer to break 100. He followed with 94, advancing him to state. His first-day front nine was a season-low of 46.

Accuracy over distance

Ilwaco is coached for the second year by Keaton Burnett, who said Billeci’s intelligent approach paid off.

“Westin made the decision on the final day to play conservatively and leave the driver in the bag most of the round, choosing the 3-wood instead, favoring accuracy over distance,” Burnett said. “I think this decision allowed him to gain an edge over other competitors that chose to ‘grip it and rip it’ and hope for the best.

“His choice to play with the layout of the course rather than following the norm of other golfers allowed him to secure his spot in state. While I’d like to take credit for this, he made this decision on his own while warming up on the range before teeing off.”

Zuern makes state

Last year, Zuern was the best Ilwaco golfer and missed advancing from district by one place. The senior, a three-sport athlete at IHS, is playing her last season before graduating.

She had the best Ilwaco girls’ score on the first day of 105 and carded 107 on the second day, with a season-low of 46 on the front nine. It earned her third place among qualifiers.

Her coach was delighted. “Zoey narrowly missed her opportunity for state last year and I told her then we’d be going for sure this year. I’m happy to report she did not make me a liar!”

Praise to go around

Samantha Grote will travel with her IHS teammates as an alternate; she missed the cut by one stroke. She shot a 118 on Day 1 and 110 on the second day. She also achieved a career-low 49 on the front nine in the final round.

“I think I speak for the whole team when I say I’m quite proud of her,” said Burnett, “especially since she missed half of the last season due to injury. She’s bounced back in a big way this year, and we’re all happy to see the fruits of her labor.”

Also participating were senior Paige Frank, sophomore Breanna Wall and freshman Emma Starr.

The coach praised Wall, who began playing golf three months ago when sidelined by a wrestling injury. “She also scored a 56 on the front nine, which is four strokes below her average. If she chooses to continue playing, I envision a bright future for her.” Burnett said.

Other boys who played but did not advance were juniors Logan Siewert and Xavier Smith and freshman Ethan Adams.

Grote’s trip to state was assured as the players awaited competitors from other schools to complete their rounds, her coach said.

“An alternate means if another player is unable to attend the tournament, she will be able to fill that spot,” Burnett said. “We jokingly said before the results were final that if she missed the cut, she would travel with us as our unofficial ‘assistant’ coach!”