Fox Chapel’s Carson Kittsley, Elizabeth Forward’s Mya Morgan win PIAA golf titles

By: Paul Schofield
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | 6:46 PM

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It turned out to be a great day for two Class 3A golfers from the WPIAL on Tuesday at the PIAA individual championships.

Fox Chapel sophomore Carson Kittsley and Elizabeth Forward junior Mya Morgan are bringing home gold medals for their work.

Kittsley shot consecutive 4-under-par 68s to capture the PIAA Class 3A boys title on Penn State’s White Course, and Morgan became her school’s first girl to win a state title. Terry George won the boys title in 1965.

He began the final round tied for fourth, two shots behind Cedar Cliff junior Dylan Ramsey and a shot behind Fleetwood sophomore Cameron Peffel and Peters Township senior Colton Lusk, the WPIAL champion.

Kittsley was 1-over through 10 holes but got hot on the back nine, recording six birdies for a 31. His two-round total was an 8-under 136.

“I just stayed patient and played my great game,” Kittsley said. “I didn’t look at the scoreboard because it would have made me nervous. But I knew I was in contention by watching how others were playing.”

He is the second golfer from the school to win a PIAA golf title. Frank Fuhrer Jr. was the first in 1976.

“I chipped good, I hit my driver well and my putter saved me,” Kittsley said. “I played really well both days. Winning really has not set in yet.”

Daniel Boone junior Chase Yenser, Ramsey and Peffel tied for second at 6-under, and North Allegheny junior Ravi Desai and Lusk tied for fifth at 5-under.

Upper St. Clair senior Connor McKenzie tied for 12th at 3-under, and North Allegheny senior Christopher Hoffman tied for 16th at 2-under.

Morgan led from start to finish and held off Delaware commit and returning PIAA champion Rhianna Gooneratine of Plymouth Whitemarsh.

Morgan finished at 1-under 143, and Gooneratine was a shot back at even-par 144.

“Rhianna is a great player, and she gave me a run for my money,” Morgan said. “I played well both days, but my 68 in the first round is why I won. This still has not hit me.

“I just tried to keep on open mind and just tried to keep it going. I kept my emotions in check. Everything clicked for me.”

Cardinal O’Hara freshman Alaina Carson, Phoenixville junior Kaylay Roberts, Jersey Shore senior Cailyn Schall and York Suburban sophomore Vivienne Powers tied for third at 2-over 146, and WPIAL champion Ellie Benson of Peters Township tied for seventh at 4-over 148.

In Class 2A action on the Blue Course, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart junior Jonah Schollaert tied for second at 4-under 140. Wyoming Seminary senior Nick Werner was the champion at 6-under 138.

Also earning medals from the WPIAL were Shady Side Academy senior Landon Mauser and Quaker senior Ethan Dai, tied for sixth at 1-under. Neshannock sophomore Rocco Bautti finished eighth at 1-over.

St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy junior Madison Koshko won the Class 2A girls title. She shot a 4-under 140.

West Middlesex junior Katie Sowers was second at 2-under par 142, and Shady Side Academy freshman Alyssa Zhang was third at 3-over 147.

Chartiers-Houston freshman Jo Jo Jaskulski was eighth, shooting a 10-over 154.

The golf championships conclude Wednesday with the team finals.

Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.