Rianda sitting 1st at state finals rodeo

The Daily Inter Lake

MISSOULA - Lexy Rianda of Kalispell posted the best time in goat tying Thursday at the Montana High School Finals Rodeo at the Missoula County Fairgrounds.

Rianda, a member of the Flathead Valley High School Rodeo Team (FVHSRT), was clocked in a quick 7.6 seconds.

Rachel Thomson of Columbia Falls is tied for second in barrel racing with a time of 17.9 seconds.

Also sitting second is Shane McCaffree of Columbia Falls and Levin Guenzler of Ronan in team roping. They own a time of 7.2.

The rodeo officially got under way Wednesday with cow cutting. Thursday's rodeo featured only the timed events.

The rough stock portion of the rodeo begins today along with the second go of timed events. There will be two sessions, 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The rodeo finishes up Saturday with the finals on Sunday. The top 16 placers in all events compete on Sunday.

The top four placers at state qualify for the National High School Rodeo Finals in Springfield, Ill., July 23-29.

Those finishing fifth through 10th at state advance to Silver State in Fallon, Nevada, July 1-8.

Thursday's Results

Leaders and FVHSRT members

Barrel Racing - 1. Josie Davison, Miles City, 17.94. 2. (tie) Rachel Thomson, Columbia Falls, and Mariah Morgan, Stevensville, 17.90. Also, Krista Doely, Kalispell, 19.60. Maddie Matelli, Kalispell, 19.01. Cassie Jumper, Kalispell, 18.90.

Pole Bending - 1. Naomi Knight, Charlo, 20.64. Also, Krista Doely, 23.98.

Goat Tying - 1. Lexy Rianda, Kalispell, 7.60. 16. Sarah Ham, Columbia Falls, 9.93.

Breakaway Roping - 1. Anna Haaland, Dillon, 3.67. 13. Lexy Rianda, 6.35.

Team Roping - 1. A.J. St. Godard, Browning/Tuck Johnson, Browning, 6.58. 2. Shane McCaffree, Columbia Falls/Levi Guenzler, Ronan, 7.20. 18. Cassie Jumper/Tom Hoyt, Browning, 19.57. 19. Lexy Rianda/Kelsey Pepion, Browning, 21.90.

Calf Roping - 1. Jake Newton, Glasgow, 10.15. 18. Shane McCaffree, 17.58.