EF’s Morgan leads PIAA Championship after Round 1

With 18 holes to go, Elizabeth Forward’s Mya Morgan is atop the leaderboard of the PIAA Class 3A girls individual golf championship at Penn State University.

Morgan shot a 4-under par 68 on Penn State’s White Course Monday to hold a two-stroke lead over Plymouth Whitemarsh’s Rhianna Gooderatne.

Morgan, who finished as the WPIAL runner-up this year after winning the title as a sophomore, shot three under on the back nine.

After two straight birdies on 10 and 11, Morgan finished with a bogey on 12. She got that stroke back on 14, though, with a two on the par 3. She added a birdie on 18.

“I have three goals for the tournament,” Morgan said after her round. “Play happy, play focused and above all else, a positive attitude at all times.

“I loved the weather (today). It was actually warm and very comfortable. The ball compressed and flew well.”

Morgan said her attitude was the biggest factor in her success Monday.

“I’m grateful to be here and I’m so happy to be representing Coach (Justin) Korona, Coach (Michael) Day and my team.”

As much as she’s been working on her mental approach, in terms of her game, her hard work is paying off.

“My swing coach, David Kuhn, has spent a lot of time with me the last few days. We had a practice round Saturday and lessons Sunday. We work out the kinks each morning. He’s been my rock and helped prepare me for this.”

Morgan will be back on the course looking to bring state gold home later this morning. She tees off in the leaders’ group at 11:10 a.m.

In Class 3A boys action, Belle Vernon Area’s Jordan Mocello finished his first round at even par and tied for 24th overall with a 72 on the White Course.

Mocello, a junior, finished 1-over on the front nine of the White Course with a 37. He bounced back with a 35 and birdied No. 16 and 18.

Cedar Crest’s Dylan Ramsey is at the top of the leaderboard after shooting 6-under. WPIAL champion Colton Lusk is tied for second at 5-under.

In Class 2A, Elizabeth Forward sophomore Aaron Didjunas is one of seven golfers tied for 13th.

Didjunas shot a 2-over 74 on the Blue Course. After shooting 4-over par on the front nine, Didjunas shot two under on the back nine, thanks in part to an eagle on the par 4 13th hole.

Charleroi freshman Levi Large sits tied for 34th after finishing with a 6-over 78 on the Blue Course.

Large shot 40 on the front and 38 on the back. South Allegheny’s Josh Nesky is eight over after shooting an 80. He is tied for 42nd.

Champions will be crowned today.