STATE COLLEGE – The players and coaches for Fairview’s girls golf team experienced an unexpected challenge before they received the championship awards from Wednesday’s PIAA Class 2A tournament.

The Tigers weren’t hindered by District 10 rival Hickory, which sought an unprecedented fourth consecutive state title.

Nor were they impeded by Tunkhannock, which finished second despite a 20-stroke deficit.

Instead, it was a four-hole playoff to determine the Class 3A girls victor that slowed Fairview’s official coronation as the state’s best small-school girls program. PIAA officials delayed the tournament’s medal ceremony well over an hour until Peters Township eventually defeated Manheim Township.

Given Fairview’s bid to win this season’s title began minutes after last year’s tournament, the extra wait was tolerable. The Tigers’ 12-month quest concluded with a score of 234 that topped the eight-team field at Penn State University’s Blue Course.

“We were talking about this (result) during the drive home last year,” Fairview coach Ryan Quiggle said. “We knew how great getting the silver medals were (last season), but this time we wanted the golds. Bad.”

The Tigers definitely didn’t play that way Wednesday.

Cora Hirz led Fairview with her 4-over-par 76. Moira Erhartic’s 77 and Meredith Thompson’s 81 accounted for the remaining rounds in the team’s official score.

Abby Benz (83) and Izzy Benz (88) also started for the Tigers.

“I remember being very excited last year when we were second (to Hickory),” Hirz said. “That was kind of our first big opportunity to show everyone who we were. I know we enjoyed that second-place (result), but I also know we wanted to go for the big one and be No. 1.

“That’s what we did this year.”

Cora Hirz helps Fairview win the PIAA Class 2A girls team golf title

The Fairview Tigers, highlighted by Cora Hirz’s round of 76, won Wednesday’s PIAA Class 2A girls golf tournament at State College.

More: Late penalty shot prevents West Middlesex golfer Kate Sowers from taking PIAA title

Hornets’ history halted

Fairview joined the former Villa Maria Victors (2A in 2014 and 2015), the North East Grapepickers (2A in 2020) and Hickory as PIAA girls team golf champs from northwestern Pennsylvania.

The Tigers, though, also denied the Hornets an achievement that would have resonated throughout the state.

Hickory sought to become the first PIAA golf program, male or female, that won four tournaments in a row. No team has accomplished that since state play started in 2006.

“We didn’t mention that to the players until (Wednesday) morning,” coach Alena Lancia said. “All we asked of them is that they lay everything on the line for a chance to make history. But if you don’t, that’s OK. We’re still so proud of you.”

Lancia concluded her first season as Hickory’s girls golf coach. She assisted her predecessor, Craig Antush, throughout the Hornets’ three-year championship run.

Active for each of those state victories was Liliana Masters. The senior’s round of 77 was the best for the Hornets’ three low scorers.

“This team and these coaches are very special to me,” Masters said. “This (round) didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to. We’re all a little disappointed and upset right now, but I’m super grateful to have had the chance to come (to states) four times. It’s extraordinary.”

Ramblers also relevant

Fairview’s girls weren’t the district’s only golf contingent honored during Wednesday’s awards ceremony.

Cathedral Prep’s boys played up to their status as 2A second seeds. The Ramblers received the state’s runner-up award with their 305 score, which was nine back of the victors from Scranton Prep.

Connor Laird’s 1-under 71 was the lowest round for Prep, which possess PIAA title trophies from 2008 and 2020. Cooper Wierzchowski (74), Santino Washburn (79) and Joseph Prichard (81) were its other formal scorers.

Andrew Costello (83) also started for the Ramblers, who had Wierzchowski in their lineup for the last time.

“We were super excited to get out on that course,” the senior said. “(Wednesday) didn’t turn out in our favor, but we’re still happy we got second place.”

Saegertown, led by Mason Gjovik, finished eighth overall. The freshman showed why he could make multiple state trips to State College a round of 3-under 69.

More: District 10 golf, girls volleyball, tennis and more results for the week of Oct. 21-26

McDowell girls make appearance

McDowell’s girls were the district’s lone team involved in Class 3A action, which was held on Penn State’s White Course. The Trojans were eighth at 273.

Ella Bickel, daughter of McDowell coach Troy Bickel, led with an 88. Bella Deaton (91) and Genelia Kang (94) were the team’s other official scorers.

Contact Mike Copper at mcopper@timesnews.com. Follow him on X @ETNcoppper.