Spring-Ford freshman Yun wins PAC individual championship

GILBERTSVILLE >> A case of nerves before a golf championship match is not unusual. And that’s especially the case for a high school freshman playing for the Pioneer Athletic Conference girls individual title.

But Spring-Ford ninth-grader Nicole Yun, who had done some work on her swing the day before with her coach, quickly settled in on Tuesday and won the PAC championship with a score of 82 at Gilbertsville Golf Club.

Owen J. Roberts freshman Stefania Fedun was the runner-up with a score of 83, Upper Merion sophomore Amanda Schubel placed third with an 84, junior Riley Thomas from Methacton finished fourth with an 85 and Phoenixville senior Morgan Frampton rounded out the top five with an 87.

The top 18 finishers advanced to the District 1 Class 3A Tournament that begins on Oct. 7 at Ravens’ Claw Golf Club and concludes the next day at Turtle Creek Golf Course.

“Since I was a freshman, I was at a disadvantage,” said Yun. “I was very new to the whole championship. Once I teed off, I knew I had to focus. I was shocked the whole time. I was grateful to just be in the championship with my team. When I started to play and getting better, I was very comfortable.”

Yun shot a 38 on the front nine for the lead at that point, one stroke better than Thomas and Phoenixville’s Chelsea Frampton.

“She was nervous, but that’s to be expected for a freshman,” said Spring-Ford coach John Brennan. “She was in a great group of girls. A 38 on the front put her in position to win.”

Yun’s case of nerves might have begun already on Monday, but Brennan helped get her game straightened out for Tuesday’s big match.

“We had a practice yesterday afternoon at Waltz’s,” she said. “I was so nervous about today. I changed my swing. The past two weeks, I was hitting the best I had all season. Coach Brennan showed me a few tips. It helped a lot with my driver. His input was very much noted.”

“She had a couple of really good weeks,” said Brennan. “She was very consistent. Yesterday she said, ‘What’s going on with my swing?’ That’s the best she’s been with the driver all year long.”

Yun has been playing golf for five years, competitively the last two or three.

“I started because of my Dad. He loves to play golf,” she said. “I’m grateful to have my parents. They always drive me to practice.”

And her teammates have helped her along the way during her freshman season.

“They showed me very important life lessons,” Yun added. “My first match, I was very nervous. My teammate Aleena (Ghanta) was very uplifting. Everyone’s given me kind words. I’m happy that I have them.”

Spring-Ford and Phoenixville each had four girls advance to district play, followed by Upper Merion and Hatboro-Horsham with three apiece, Methacton with two and Boyertown and Owen J. Roberts with one each.

“They’re a great group of girls this year,” first-year coach Brennan said concerning his team. “We won the team championship and four girls made it to districts – three freshmen and a sophomore. Things are looking good for the future.”