YORK — Brett Rinker found himself in very few sticky situations at the PIAA Boys Golf Championships Monday.

That's why the Slippery Rock High sophomore finds himself near the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round today.

Rinker shot an even-par 71 at Heritage Hills Golf Resort, one stroke behind leader J.D. Dornes of Manheim Township.

"I can remember only two hiccups," said Slippery Rock golf coach Merle Whitmer.

Rinker managed to get out of trouble both times.

On the par-4 No. 16, Rinker lost his ball in the rough and, took a penalty stroke, but he saved par when he hit the ball from 200 yards out to within five feet of the cup.

On No. 18, Rinker hit a short drive, forcing him to lay up for only his second bogey of the afternoon to go with two birdies.

"He didn't get into any real trouble," Whitmer said. "He kept the ball in play for the most part and his short game was excellent."

That's been Rinker's strength since he started golfing as a young boy.

His father, Marty, is the men's golf coach at Clarion University. The two spent much of last week chipping and putting in preparation for the state tournament, Whitmer said.

"Even the long putts he was able to get them close to the hole," Whitmer said.

Other notables at the PIAA Boys Golf Championships:

n Seneca Valley senior Mike McNulty also is within striking distance heading into the final round today.

McNulty shot a 3-over 74 and is four strokes back.

n Grove City's Ryan Prokay shot a 75 and is five strokes off the pace.

n Rinker's teammate at Slippery Rock, Brian Giesler, struggled at times, shooting an 80.

At the PIAA Girls Golf Championships, Butler's Marissa DeCola is tied for sixth after shooting a 5-over 77.

A double-bogey on No. 18 haunted the junior.

Still, DeCola is only five-strokes behind leader Kan Aurora of Chichester High School in Philadelphia. Aurora shot an even-par 72.