Quaker Valley golfers fill leaderboard at section tournament

By: Ray Fisher
Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 11:01 AM

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Five Quaker Valley golfers — yes, five — qualified for the WPIAL Class 2A boys tournament out of Section 9.

The section tournament took place Sept. 15 at Rolling Acres Golf Course; the target score for securing a berth in the WPIAL playoffs was 84.

Not only did QV’s Will Newlin, Joseph Kamnikar, Ty Stofko and Addy Davis beat the target score, they all shot under 80 on the par-71 course.

“Nobody is taking big scores on any particular holes,” QV coach Greg Vecchi said, “so that gives them all a legitimate shot at advancing through the individual playoffs.”

Newlin, a senior and fourth-year competitor, finished with a 72. Kamnikar and Stofko, both sophomores, carded rounds of 78 while Davis, another sophomore, was next with a 79. The Quakers’ fifth qualifier was senior Ryan Dusch, who made the cut with a round of 83.

“Will Newlin came in second in the section,” Vecchi said, “and Joseph Kamnikar, Ty Stofko and Ryan Dusch had great rounds at Rolling Acres, too.”

The Quakers added a sixth competitor in the WPIAL finals as senior Makenna Kamnikar advanced to the girls district event in Class 2A.

Because the school doesn’t have a girls team, Quaker Valley could enter only one player in the girls tournament.

Davis entered the boys tournament and qualified for the finals despite having to play from the same tees as the boys.

Joseph Kamnikar said he and his sister provide a valuable support system for each other on and off the links.

“It’s always so fun to play alongside my sister. She’s been by my side all my life through golf, school and other challenges,” he said. “She influences me as a golfer and a person, but I would say we support each other instead of it being like a mentor and student relationship.

“We both started playing golf at the same time and grew our games together, so it’s more of us helping each other instead of one person leading the way. We push each other to become the best version of ourselves. I don’t know if I’d be in the same position I am in golf right now if I didn’t have her to push me to be better.”

Davis won the MAC girls tournament Sept. 11 at Fox Run Golf Course against Class 2A and 3A opponents.

Davis is a two-sport athlete at QV. She also is a pitcher/infielder on the Quakers’ softball team.

“When I’m not golfing, I do play softball. I took up golf about three years ago,” Davis said. “The strongest part of my game is my driving ability. I’m very straight and reliable off the tee, which allows me to keep the ball in play.

“However, I have been playing softball since I was 4.”

Makenna Kamnikar, a fourth-year golf team member, placed third at this year’s MAC tournament.

“I think my game is the strongest it’s ever been,” Kamnikar said. “This season is really important to me as it’s my senior season.”

The older Kamnikar sibling has been a member of the QV boys golf program for four years and competes for the girls swim team in the winter months.

“Playing golf on a boys team definitely has some challenges,” she said, “but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I was super happy to be joined on varsity (last year) by my younger brother Joseph as he made it on the team as a freshman.

“I think it’s super cool that I’m able to play on the same team as my brother. We constantly push each other to get better.”

Davis said it’s been a great experience.

“Makenna and I are the only girls on the team, which can make it look intimidating,” Davis said, “but it’s not. The guys on the team are super supportive, and it’s fun to show them that girls can compete right alongside them.

“I take great pride in the opportunity to be able to play on the varsity team coached by Greg Vecchi. I also want to thank my biggest supporter, part-time caddie and coach, my dad, along with instructor Chuck Scally.”

A total of 20 golfers in Section 9-2A qualified for the WPIAL tournament. North Catholic’s Ben Kandravy was medalist with a round of 70.

The successful qualifying results for the QV linksters was a continuation of their outstanding performance during the regular season.

QV improved to 9-1 in the section and 9-3 overall following a close 208-211 win Sept. 18 against North Catholic at Sewickley Heights Golf Club.

Newlin sparked the Quakers with a 39 score.

“The key was the collective focus and effort our team had,” Newlin said. “I’m very proud of the way we have carried ourselves throughout the year.

“I think our team has had a strong performance throughout the season, but we still have some room to improve as any good team does. My expectation is for us to be a strong contender in the WPIAL.”

QV and NC split decisions this season and finished as co-champions in the section.

“The key to winning (Sept. 18) was every player bringing their own individual skill set in order to come together and win as a team,” Davis said. “I’m truly impressed with our team’s overall performance. Each of us carries an individual skill set that brings different unique dynamics to the team. The hard work we put in together as a team shows in our record.

“I’m expecting us to wrap up the season nicely with success at WPIALs, both individually and as a team.”

The Quakers defeated Eden Christian, Hopewell, Sewickley Academy and Aquinas Academy twice this year. Two of QV’s three losses were against Class 3A Central Catholic and Seneca Valley.

“I think the team is right on track right now,” Vecchi said. “We had just one, maybe two, down matches, but are happy with the rest of the team scores that we turned in.

“I really can see this team pushing for the WPIAL championship. They all have proven the ability to have great rounds. If it all comes together, then I think we have a shot.”

QV’s starting lineup consists of Newlin, Davis, Joseph Kamnikar, Stofko, Makenna Kamnikar and Dusch.

“Six are in the starting lineup according to their averages,” Vecchi said.

The first round of the WPIAL individual tournament was held Sept. 22 at Hill Crest Golf Course.

Sewickley Academy was represented by four golfers at the district tournament. The Panthers were led in the section event by freshman Trey Susa (71) and sophomore Charlie Scally (77). Seniors Niko Frazzini (82) and Billy Pietragallo (84) also squeezed into the WPIAL championships.

Eden Christian Academy had three members of its boys golf program qualify for WPIALs: senior Jackson Bremmer (71), junior Luca Natale (79) and sophomore Kyle Fowler (79).

Tags: Eden Christian, Quaker Valley, Sewickley Academy