RICHLAND — Ephrata opened the girls golf season Monday at the Richland Girls Varsity Invite, with two Tiger pairs finishing in the top six among 35 twosomes at Horn Rapids Golf Course in Richland. Every other school in the 12-team field was Class 3A or 4A.

Coach Tracy Pickeral, in her second year leading the EHS program, welcomes back four experienced returners this season, including a trio of seniors.

Stella Bayley is a three-time state qualifier who earned first-team All-Central Washington Athletic Conference honors and placed 15th at state in 2025. Rayn Castillo is a two-time state qualifier and 2024 second-team All-CWAC selection. Cecilia Roth earned honorable mention All-CWAC and was a state alternate last season.

Rounding the Tiger returnees, junior Alyee Roberts was also a state qualifier in 2025.

On Monday, freshmen Sophie Molitor and Lillian Bayley both made their team debuts. Molitor brought tournament experience but had never competed in a team event; Lillian Bayley played her first official competitive round.

The invitational featured a best-ball format in which each pair records the lower score on each hole. Roth and Castillo led Ephrata's three pairs, shooting 84 to finish fifth among 35 twosomes.

"They did a great job playing off each other," Pickeral said. "This was a format we have not had the chance to play before and they did a great job helping each other out."

Narrowly trailing their teammates, Stella Bayley and Molitor shot 88 to tie for sixth. Roberts and Lillian Bayley finished 25th at 101.

Pickeral said the day's tone set the standard she wants for the season.

"It was just fun to see all the girls relaxed and enjoying themselves," she said. "They were able to celebrate the good shots and let the bad ones roll off, a great attitude to have on the course."

Both freshmen impressed in their first outings. "They both handled it with grace and confidence," Pickeral said. "I'm excited to see how much they grow this season."

Off the course, Pickeral said the Ephrata program is open to anyone.

"Whether a student is brand new to golf or has played for years, our goal is to help every golfer improve and gain confidence," she said. "Even though golf is an individual sport, our players support one another, encourage each other, and represent our school as a team."

Ephrata opens CWAC play next Wednesday, March 18 at Colockum Ridge Golf Course near Quincy.