ChessCats aspire to state tourney

The Wildcat chess team got back on the winning track Wednesday,

Jan. 26, by obliterating the visiting Lake Washington squad, 4-1. The

victory followed three straight losses for the ChessCats and evened their

KingCo league record at 3-3, keeping them in the hunt for a state tournament berth.

Nate Phillips and Dan Haakenson dominated their opponents on the

second and third boards respectively, while David Ard on fourth board

and Cameron Rice on fifth board earned their first match victories of the

season. David Haakenson, playing the tough first board position, lost to

a highly ranked Lake Washington opponent.

The ChessCats have next week off and then finish the season against

the always tough Overlake. A good showing in the final match will earn

Mount Si their seventh straight state tournament invitation.

Once again, wish the team luck!