CRANBERRY TWP — The journey from upstart to section champion was a swift one for the Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic golf team.

The Trojans finished the Section 3-AA slate with a perfect 12-0 record. They are now preparing for the WPIAL team semifinals, to be held Tuesday at River Forest Country Club near Freeport.

North Catholic had a boys golf program when the school was based in Pittsburgh, but it disbanded more than a decade ago. After the move to Cranberry Township, the Trojans picked up their clubs once again, beginning in 2015.

Tre Bartony leads this year's squad with a nine-hole average of 35. Madie Smithco is second at 38, followed by Adam Cruttenden (41), Joe Alampi (42), Shea McTighe (43) and Brendan Haggerty (44).

“Our top six played how we thought they would entering the season,” said Trojan coach John Haggerty. “All of them have put up sub-40 scores. They are extremely competitive and there are internal battles. It's fun to watch.”

The competitive spirit shared by team members has added to their enjoyment of playing — and winning.

“We're all friends,” said Alampi, a senior. “We compete, but are still supportive of each other. We can do both because of the chemistry we have.”

The Trojans dominated their section foes, with the closest match being a 30-stroke victory over Eden Christian.

“Last year, a lot of the teams we went up against had a lot of seniors,” said Bartony. “We lost just one senior from last season and he was our fifth- or sixth-best golfer. We made the team playoffs, but didn't advance. If we keep grinding, I think we can do something special.”

One of the reasons for the team's improved play is that it plays half of its matches at Butler Country Club. The Trojans have been forced to hone their skills on a very challenging course. In turn, it has made them better golfers.

“It's flatter than a lot of courses around here, but it's also a lot longer and there are more places to get in trouble,” Alampi said. “But with the way it's kept, it's one of the nicest courses I've played. I can't complain.”

Another factor is the play most team members get in outside of the high school season.

“I tried to compete in two or three tournaments per month over the summer,” said Smithco, who placed second in the state as a freshman last year among Class AA girls. “It helped me mentally and I'm better now at controlling my emotions.”

The top three out of nine teams in Tuesday's semifinal round will advance to the WPIAL Championship, scheduled for Thursday at Cedarbrook Golf Club.

CWNC's golfers plan to play a practice round at River Forest before the competition.

Sewickley Academy enters the postseason as four-time defending district champion, not winning any of those titles by less than eight strokes.

“It's going to take a lot to beat Sewickley, but I think we can play with them,” said Alampi. “Being part of this team has been fantastic. We've made great strides in three years.”