Belex Cheng took her time over her 4-foot par putt on the 18th hole Tuesday at Lewis River Golf Course.
It was not a regular par putt, though. It was a championship putt.
She drained it.
Cheng, a sophomore, held off a late charge from defending champion Maddy Alamillo of Battle Ground to win the Class 4A Greater St. Helens League’s district girls golf championship.
Cheng closed with a 10-over-par 83, three shots better than her opening round. Alamillo shot an 82 on Tuesday but fell a stroke from a playoff with Cheng.
“It was really tense, especially that last hole,” Cheng said. “I was so shaky. I couldn’t believe it.”
Cheng was up four with nine holes to play but Alamillo caught Cheng on the 16th hole. But Cheng regained sole ownership of the lead with a par on the 17th, setting up the final hole.
“Maddy and I both hit good drives,” Cheng said. “Then we both hit good seconds shots.”
But neither could sink their birdie putts, which meant a par for the win for Cheng.
The two have known each other for years, but this was the first time playing against each other in high school district play because Union was a 3A program last season. Despite the win, Cheng said she did not celebrate a lot. She might have the crown of district champion, but she has a lot of respect for Alamillo.
“I can’t really say I’m the best because it was a really close match with Maddy today,” Cheng said. “She played really well today. I’m glad I got to play with her.”
Skyview’s Delaney Keser finished third after a second-round 84, leaving her 11 strokes off the lead. Union’s Mykala Kolanda finished fourth, earning a berth to the Class 4A state tournament.
The next six finishers will play in the bi-district tournament for one last opportunity to advance to state.
