Community roundup: Granger wins pro MMA debut

Published 1:30 am Monday, August 28, 2017

Miranda Granger’s professional Mixed Martial Arts debut was a successful one.

Granger, a Snohomish native and Glacier Peak High School graduate, made quick work of Nikki Lowe at Friday’s Summer Showdown IV at the Tulalip Resort Casino, winning by submission 2 minutes, 30 seconds into the first round of their 115-pound bout.

“It was over pretty quick,” said Granger, who was making her pro debut after going 10-0 as an amateur MMA fighter and kickboxer. “She came at me a little different than I anticipated, she was more spinny and twitchy. I got hit once, then after that I was ready to go.”

Granger was able to kick one of Lowe’s legs out from under her and got Lowe down on the ground. Then from an advantageous position Granger caught Lowe in an armbar, prompting Lowe to tap out.

“She was definitely the best opponent I’ve had to date,” Granger said. “But it was over pretty quick, so I wasn’t able to experience (professional fighting) too much. I figure if my fights are quicker, I’ll have a longer career due to taking less damage. But she was a good opponent from a good program, I respect her a lot, she made me work and train a lot harder.”

Another member of Everett-based Charlie’s Combat Club was part of the card at Summer Showdown IV. Tycen Lynn, a native of Stanwood, won a unanimous decision in his 135-pound professional bout against Mark Coates. Lynn improved his professional record to 5-1.

Rohde qualifies for Mid-Amateur

Everett’s Jacob Rohde earned a place in the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship golf tournament by tying for medalist honors at a sectional qualifier held Aug. 21 at Port Ludlow Golf Course.

Rohde shot a 1-under-par 71 to tie Clyde Hill’s Bob Conrad for first place. Those two, who were the only golfers to advance, finished two strokes ahead of their nearest competitors.

The U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship is an amateur tournament for post-college players. This year’s championship is scheduled for Oct. 7-12 at the Capital City Club in Atlanta. This is the third straight year Rohde has qualified for the U.S. Mid-Amateur. He did not make the cut in either of the previous two years.

Denessen misses cut Senior Amateur

Kelly Denessen of Snohomish missed the cut following stroke play at the U.S. Senior Amateur golf tournament, which is taking place at the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis. Denessen shot rounds of 10-over 82 and 6-over 78 on Saturday and Sunday to finish at 16-over. The cut was at 8-over for advancing to match play, which concludes Thursday.

If you have an idea for a community sports story, e-mail Nick Patterson at npatterson@heraldnet.com.