Upper St. Clair finishes runner-up in WPIAL
In golf, one stroke makes a world of difference. Just ask the Lady Panthers of Upper St. Clair.
They lost a critical match early in the season by that margin and that propelled them to a runner-up showing in the WPIAL team championships on Oct. 11 at Cedarbrook Golf Course, according to head coach Michael Cuscino.
“From that day forward, the girls turned it up a notch with their preparation,” Cuscino said.
USC won the rest of its matches and the Panthers went on to capture their second straight section title before embarking on team tournament action. In the semifinals played at Rolling Acres Golf Course in Beaver, they qualified for the championships by finishing second with a 342 score. Four teams advanced to the finals, including North Allegheny (310), Mt. Lebanon (358) and Penn-Trafford (360).
During the Class AAA finals, USC again took second with a 332 score. The Panthers again finished runner-up to NA. The Tigers captured the AAA crown with a 294 score.
“I am very proud of the girls on their performance in the playoffs because we had some really good competition this year,” Cuscino said.
Competition came within Sara Steve. She paced the Panthers by carding a 39-41-80 in the championship match.
“We worked hard because this year was more competitive,” she said. “We had two new freshmen come in and they really provided a lot of competition on the team. We worked hard not just against other teams but against each other to get into the line-up.”
Tori Slagle was one of those freshmen in the rotation during the finals. She finished one stroke behind Steve with an 81. Sarah Eccher (85) and Mary Groninger (86) followed. Caroline Hendrix also contributed to the showing.
For the Tigers, Caroline Wrigley provided much of that competition. The Furman recruit and three-time WPIAL individual champion carded a 6-under-par 65 to take home medalist honors.
Determination and keeping their eye on the prize propelled the Panthers.
“The key to success in the team championship was to have each girl stay focused, positive and play their game,” Cuscino said. ”This is my fourth season as coach and each year, we have gotten better so I commend the team on its efforts.”
With Bridget Boal, the other freshman on the squad, Gabi Spina and Caroline Wright, the Panthers succeeded. They now look to the future, which Cuscino predicts is bright.”We have a lot of players coming back next year so I expect another great year as long as the girls work hard on their games during the off-season.”
For Steve, there is no off-season just yet. She qualified for the PIAA championships to be held Oct. 22-24 at Heritage Hills in York.
The junior fired a 78 to tie for fourth place in the Western Regional held Oct. 15 at Tom’s Run in Blairsville.
NA’s Wrigley won the qualifier with a 71. Caroline McConnell finished runner-up. The South Fayette freshman carded a 74.
Lebo fourth
The Mt. Lebanon girls’ finished fourth during the WPIAL Class AAA championships. The Blue Devils totaled 370 on the Red Course at Cedarbrook Golf Course.
Lindsey Powanda paced the Blue Devils with a 75. Madison Bartone followed with a 94 and Audra Foremsky finished with a 99. Sydney Krauth and Melissa Redding also contributed to the scoring.