Conestoga’s Yao takes first at District 1 Girls Golf Championship

LIMERICK >> Samantha Yao could be called the model of consistency.

The Conestoga sophomore posted 16 pars on her way to capturing the two-day District One girls golf title on Tuesday afternoon at Turtle Creek Golf Course.

“I guess staying consistent was the key,” said Yao with a laugh afterward, “I never really tried to do too much. I stayed out of trouble for the most part and stuck to my game.”

Yao shot an 8-over 151 for the two-day tournament. She shot an even-par 72 on the second round, a day after posting an 8-over 79 at Gilbertsville Golf Course.

“After yesterday, I didn’t really know what to expect today,” she said of the second round. “There were a lot of things I knew I needed to work on, needed to fix for this round. Luckily I was able to put it together.”

Yao stuck one close on No. 7, then sunk a putt to move to 1-under for the round (7-under overall). Four holes later, she three-putted to finish with her lone bogey for the round on the par 3 No. 11.

“I would love a chance to play that hole again,” she said, “but it’s still really cool to know that I won this.”

Behind Yao, seven other players qualified for next Monday’s Regional Tournament at Golden Oaks Golf Club.

Radnor’s Gabby Kim followed close behind with a 155 while her sister, June Kim, finished up at 161 for second and third, respectively. Hatboro-Horsham senior Cassaday Gavaghan shot an 81 on both days to take fourth place at 162 while Central Bucks East’s Sophia Mancuso shot a 163. Wissahickon’s Cristea Park finished up at 164 while West Chester East’s Sofia Amoroso and Downingtown East’s Liddie McCook each made the cut at 165.

PAC-age Deal

All three players from the Pioneer Athletic Conference who qualified for day two action missed the regional cut.

Boyertown’s Savanna Haas finished tied for 12th with a 173 while Methacton’s Emma Lawrie finished up at 177. Grace Simenson shot a 178.