PIAA Golf: Devon Prep boys seize state title

STATE COLLEGE — The boys from Devon Prep had a simple investment plan, and it paid off in state gold.

All four golfers took a straightforward approach to Penn State’s White Course to stay around even par, and their combined 301 was good enough for a decisive, 5-stroke victory at the PIAA Class AA Golf Championships on Wednesday.

Nick Ciocca shot a 2-under 70, followed by Dan DiLella (75), John Curran (76) and Andrew Carraccio (80). Chris Pullano also competed.

Belle Vernon (306), located south of Pittsburgh, finished runner up. Scranton Prep (307) took bronze.

In the 2A girls’ field, which counts the top three scores from each team, Hickory (northwest Pa.) nabbed gold with a combined 220 for a whopping, 25-stroke win.

Peters Township, from suburban Pittsburgh, swept the boys’ and girls’ sides in the 3A classification. The Peters boys (284) were led by Colton Lusk (7-under 65) and Griffin Hansberry (1-under 71).

La Salle (286) — with Nolan Corcoran (69), Sebastian Botero (70), Ethan Martin (73) and John Stevenson (74) — finished just two strokes behind for silver. Ian Natale also played for La Salle.

The Unionville boys (294), who won the District 1 championship, finished third at states. Charlie Barrickman shot a 71, followed by Jax Puskar (73), Michael Keller (75) and Nicholas Gaughan (75). Rex Opdahi was on the course for Unionville as well.

The Peters Township girls (231) earned a 4-stroke victory over Manheim Township (236) on the Blue Course.

Conestoga (244) took bronze, with Jill Burks (79), Mimi Kambayashi (82) and Brynne Mushlin (83). Corinne McReynolds and Suri Ahn also competed for Conestoga.