Area Golfers Fall Back At States

Tuesday, October 23, 2001 Page: 2E

Staff and wire reports

STATE COLLEGE – Wyoming Valley Conference qualifiers Nicole O’Donnell of
Meyers and Catie Lauver of Hazleton Area are out of contention after 18 holes.
O’Donnell, a senior, shot a 15-over-par 85 (46-39) and is in 26th place out
of 36 girls. Lauver, a sophomore, carded a 22-over-par 92 (50-42) and is tied
for 32nd.

Through a month of struggles, Cedar Crest senior Blaine Peffley promised
himself he would come up big when it counted. In the PIAA championship Monday
at Penn State, he shot a 7-under 65 to take a five-shot lead after the first
of two rounds.

“I always wanted to win the state championship,” he said. “I was in a
groove. Today is the first day I’ve played well in four weeks.”

Peffley, who placed second last year at the event, dropped seven birdies
and eagled the par-5 18th hole. After ripping his tee shot down the fairway,
he left his second shot 25 feet from the cup on a steep green. The ensuing
putt had just enough speed to drop in the cup.

Peffley was just four strokes off the Blue Course record. No state champion
has ever had as low a round since the tournament moved to Penn State in 1982.

Bishop Shanahan’s John Pelet and Radnor’s Adam Cohen are tied for second at


Beth Marushak of Northampton shot a 2-under 68 with two birdies and no
bogies to lead the girls’ tournament, being held on the White Course. She
leads Katrin Wolfe, of Westmont-Hilltop, by three strokes.

Two-time defending champion Katie Miller, of Hempfield Area, is within
striking distance at 4 over.