NEW CASTLE — Neshannock High golfer Marissa Kirkwood was on a roll yesterday.

Kirkwood fired a 79 to win the WPIAL Section 5-AA girls qualifier at Kittanning Country Club. The top five golfers plus any others to shoot a 91 or better advanced to the WPIAL Championship. Just five golfers moved on, though.

The WPIAL Championship match is set for 9 a.m. Oct. 1 at 3 Lakes Golf Course in Saltsburg.

Eleven schools were represented in the event.

Kirkwood, a freshman, cruised to a nine-shot victory. Freeport’s Audrey Clawson was Kirkwood’s closest competitor, recording an 88.

“Her short game was really good,” said Lancers coach Mike Kirkwood, who is Marissa’s dad. “She thought she really composed herself well and she couldn’t believe how well she played.

“We played a practice round there and she did pretty well. The course is really tight. The greens, I would compare them to the New Castle Country Club. They are faster and maybe harder. It was definitely challenging in that aspect. I thought the practice round definitely helped her.”

Marissa Kirkwood scored a 42-37, including carding three birdies on the back nine.

“I definitely thought she could play well,” Mike Kirkwood said. “She’s been pretty steady all year, around 38 to 42.

“Her putting has not been real great. She putted real well on the fast greens the last couple of days.”

Union’s Jessica Galanski also competed in the event, but failed to qualify.

The top three finishers in each classification at the WPIAL Championship match on Oct. 1 will be awarded a gold, silver and bronze medal, respectively.

The championship will consist of 18 holes of stroke play. In addition to the top three golfers in each classification, all qualifiers to the PIAA tournament will be awarded a copper medal.

The top eight from Class AA and the top eight from Class AAA from the WPIAL final round will qualify for the Western PIAA individual qualifying round with qualifiers from five other PIAA western  districts on Oct. 15 at Tom’s Run Golf Course at Chestnut Ridge in Blairsville, provided their score in the WPIAL championship final round does not exceed 100. Ties for the final qualifying spot will be broken with “sudden victory” extra holes.

 The top six Class AAA players and top ten Class AA players from the regional qualifying round will qualify for the PIAA championship tournament to be held at Heritage Hills Golf Course in York on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23.



Lancers win

Matt Cioffi fired a 35 to lift Neshannock to a 197-239 victory over Union at Castle Hills Golf Course.

Mike Maciarello was next with a 38 for the Lancers (8-1, 8-2), while Walt DeMase and Grant Weaver both shot a 41. Max Watters added a 42.

“It’s good to see us get back in the team competition,” Mike Kirkwood said. “They’ve had a lot of pressure on them trying to qualify for the (individual) WPIAL championship recently.

“Form them to regroup as a team, that was pretty good to see. We’re starting to play more consistently. I really feel like we’re coming together at the right time.”

Jacob Jendrysik paced the Scotties with a 41 and Cole Gorgacz was next with a 47. Nick Mrozek carded a 49, and Mike Galmarini and Markel Peace both scored a 51.



Duffy cards 41

Wilmington’s Collin Duffy notched a 41 in a tri-match against Heartland Christian (Ohio) and Reynolds at Tanglewood Golf Course. The Greyhounds beat Heartland Christian (180-185), but lost to the Raiders (171-180).

Shane McQuiston supplied a 45 for Wilmington. Matt Zimmer and Josh Bonnici each contributed a 47.

“We’re a pretty young team and getting some experience,” Greyhounds coach Jamie Canciello said. “We’re building for next year.

“I thought Collin played very well. We’re looking forward to him stepping up next year.”



Laurel rolls

Nick Peluso provided a 35 to lead the Spartans to a 196-244 Section 5, Division 2 decision over Mohawk at Green Meadows Golf Course.

Ben Armando followed with a 38 for Laurel (7-2). Shane Wilson and Joe Dantico both recorded a 40. Brady Crawford was next with a 44.

Samsan Needler paced the Warriors with a 46 and Andrew Fee chipped in with a 47. Aaron DeSantis delivered a 48, Caleb Pierog provided a 51 and Anthony Bartolone followed with a 52.



Boys cross country

’Hounds fall

Wilmington lost to Grove City, 15-50, on the Eagles’ home course.

Jared Thomas placed ninth for the Greyhounds in 18:30 and Calvin Gealy was 10th in 18:32.

Jake Burdett finished eighth in the junior high race for Wilmington in 13:15.



Girls cross country

Brumbaugh places second

Wilmington’s Rikki Brumbaugh claimed second place in a 22-37 loss to Grove City on the road.

Brumbaugh finished in 20:36.

The Lady Greyhounds’ Allison Baldwin was fifth in 21:16 and Hannah Winters took seventh in 21:32.

The Lady Greyhounds’ Lexi Brumbaugh won the junior high race in 11:49.



Girls tennis

Neshannock rolls

The Lady Lancers cruised to a 5-0 Section 2-AA road victory over Beaver Falls.

Gabby Giangiuli (No. 1), Meg Johntony (No. 2) and Brittany Moses (No. 3) posted singles wins for Neshannock (5-3 section, 6-3 overall).

The doubles tandems of Maria Acosta/Cecelia Weingart (No. 1) and Arti Anna Ribarevski/Erin Warvell (No. 2) also captured wins, both in straight sets. Moses also won her match in straight sets.

Following are the results:

Neshannock 5, Beaver Falls 0

SINGLES

1. Gabby Giangiuli (N) Rebekah Padezanin 6-3, 6-1.

2. Meg Johntony (N) def. Emily Ginand 6-2, 6-1.

3. Brittany Moses (N) def. Ashley Martella 6-0, 6-0.

DOUBLES

1. Maria Acosta/Cecelia Weingart (N) def. Maggie Shablesky/Raquel Pettigrew 6-0, 6-0.

2. Arti Anna Ribarevski/Erin Warvell (N) def. Kacie Hartzell/Abby Thomas 6-0, 6-0.

EXHIBITIONS

1. Madison Jones/Zoe Karstadt (N) won 6-0.

2. Aleesha Berkley/Jenna Richardson (N) won 6-0.

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