By The Observer-Reporter STATE COLLEGE – It took 22 holes and more than eight hours to complete, but the Peters Township girls golf team successfully defended its PIAA Class 3A championship Wednesday, defeating Manheim Township in thrilling fashion, on the fourth playoff hole at the Penn State University Golf Courses. The Indians won with a birdie by Ellie Benson, the WPIAL champion, on the fourth playoff hole. Peters Township, under head coach Mike Lacey, and Manheim Township finished tied through 18 holes, each with a score of 11-over par 227, which was five shots better than third-place Downingtown West.
There were five golfers on each team with only three counting in the scoring. Benson led PT with a 75 followed by Sophia Severns and Brooke Vowcheck shot 76. The scores for Betty Glyptis and Gabby Catalogna did not count in the scoring.
Manheim Township had two chances to win the playoff, on the second and third playoff holes, but each time missed long birdie putts. North Allegheny won the 3A boys title with a team total of 2-under 286. South Fayette finished in second place two strokes back.
South Fayette’s Sam Bishop led the Lions with a blistering round of 8-under 64 that included nine birdies. Brady Newman shot 74, and Randy Fisher and Jackson Stephens each shot 76..