How North Catholic earned its first-ever WPIAL girls golf crown: ‘I wouldn’t wanna do it with anyone else’
Talk about rags to riches.
Two seasons ago, North Catholic’s girls golf team didn’t even have the opportunity to win a WPIAL title. On Thursday, the Trojanettes did just that.
“Last year was our first season in a section and, literally, the year before that, they were just in (it for) proof of interest just trying to get matches in so they would be qualified for (the individual postseason),” coach Jennifer Campbell said.
By posting a 377, North Catholic downed Shady Side Academy (383), Greensburg Central Catholic (392) and Southmoreland (440) to win the WPIAL Class 2A crown at Cedarbrook Golf Course.
North Catholic missed last season’s state tournament by a handful of strokes. The Trojanettes wanted to make sure things wouldn’t unfold the same way again.
“One of the main goals, especially for some of the mid-range golfers, they just wanted to stay playing bogey golf,” Campbell said. “I think just a hole-by-hole (approach), just kind of stay within that range and take it one stroke at a time, one hole at a time.”
Sophomore Riley Kontul finished with an 80, while Lizzie Fabian had a 96 and Izzy Engleka a 97.
GiGi Colafella carded a 104 and Allie Gruseck finished with a 106. Fabian played a key part in helping her team jump into the perch.
“Watching the girls come in, they all really came in very strong and that was really nice,” Kontul said. “When you know that you’ve done all that you can, that’s kinda just the best that you can do.”
The experience Kontul and Engleka had in higher-pressure tournaments helped steady the ship. Kontul also finished fifth in the WPIAL Class 2A individual championships and qualified for the state tournament.
“It is really special,” Kontul said. “I love my teammates and we have a really great group and a really great coach. I wouldn’t wanna do it with anyone else.”
