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Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | 6:46 PM
It turned out to be a great day for two Class 3A golfers from the WPIAL on Tuesday at the PIAA individual championships.
Fox Chapel sophomore Carson Kittsley and Elizabeth Forward junior Mya Morgan are bringing home gold medals for their work.
Kittsley shot consecutive 4-under-par 68s to capture the PIAA Class 3A boys title on Penn State’s White Course, and Morgan became her school’s first girl to win a state title. Terry George won the boys title in 1965.
He began the final round tied for fourth, two shots behind Cedar Cliff junior Dylan Ramsey and a shot behind Fleetwood sophomore Cameron Peffel and Peters Township senior Colton Lusk, the WPIAL champion.
Kittsley was 1-over through 10 holes but got hot on the back nine, recording six birdies for a 31. His two-round total was an 8-under 136.
“I just stayed patient and played my great game,” Kittsley said. “I didn’t look at the scoreboard because it would have made me nervous. But I knew I was in contention by watching how others were playing.”
He is the second golfer from the school to win a PIAA golf title. Frank Fuhrer Jr. was the first in 1976.
“I chipped good, I hit my driver well and my putter saved me,” Kittsley said. “I played really well both days. Winning really has not set in yet.”
Morgan led from start to finish and held off Delaware commit and returning PIAA champion Rhianna Gooneratine of Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Morgan finished at 1-under par 143, and Gooneratine was a shot back at even par 144.
“Rhianna is a great player, and she gave me a run for my money,” Morgan said. “I played well both days, but my 68 in the first round is why I won. This still has not hit me.
“I just tried to keep on open mind and just tried to keep it going. I kept my emotions in check. Everything clicked for me.”
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at [email protected].
