Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
STEADY AS SHE GOES
Conestoga’s Yao fires even-par round, with 16 pars, to win District 1 title
Conestoga’s Samantha Yao watches her drive on the 18th tee Tuesday during the second day of the District 1 Golf Championships at Turtle Creek Golf Club in Limerick. She would par No. 18, just like she parred 15 other holes on the day for a fairly comfortable four-shot win.
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 1 girls golf Championship 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.”
Two other Chester County golfers finished in the top eight to reach next Monday’s Regional Tournament at Golden Oaks Golf Club.
West Chester East’s Sofia Amoroso and Downingtown East’s Liddie McCook each made the cut at 165.
Radnor’s Gabby Kim followed close behind Yao 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, just ahead of Amoroso and McCook.