MARYSVILLE — Marysville Getchell hosted the 3A District 1 girls golf championships at Cedarcrest Golf Course on Wednesday, May 15, and junior Jacquelyn Martin qualified for the state championships.

“I have been playing golf since last year, and I think I have improved a lot because I worked at Battle Creek Golf Course everyday,” said Martin. “I have a great coach out there, Bob Stiles, who is absolutely amazing — he has helped me through a lot and I’ve been practicing constantly.”

The practice paid off for Martin who tied for third at districts, finishing round one with an 88 and round two with a 92, giving her a 180 two-round total. The conditions were dry and warm with a light breeze, and the Chargers had the added benefit of playing on their home course.

“Next year I hope to go to state again, and maybe place somewhat high at state,” said Martin. “This year I am just excited that I’ve qualified. There is always more room for improvement.”

Other Getchell players competed at the district tournament, including senior Mikayla Schwartz who has been playing golf all four years of high school and made it to districts in 2012 as well.

“Being on this course helps a lot. We know everything about it,” said Schwartz. “I think that the support of my grandparents has definitely helped me get this far. They got me into the sport in the first place.”

Mikayla joined the sport of golf for the friendships that she would make along the way.

“I joined for the girls and I am glad I can spend time with my great friends,” she said. “I am thinking of trying out for golf team at Washington State University when I go there this fall. The nice thing about golf is that it’s a sport I will take with me until I am old.”

The Chargers had some help preparing for the district tournament from someone who had played the game for MG just one year before.

Stephanie English was the captain of the Chargers’ golf team in 2012, and came back as an assistant coach for this season.

“I wanted to come back and help the girls,” she said. “I want them to play within themselves. Last year was my first opportunity to go to state and I was really nervous. I made simple mistakes that looking back now I think its all nerves. There’s a lot of pressure about going to state, but when you get there you realize that it’s just another match.”

Martin was set to tee off at 8:42 a.m. on May 21 at Lewis River in Woodland. The results of that round were not known as of press-time.