A-K Valley athletes of the week: Freeport’s Lillie Snow, Plum’s Wes Lorish

By: Bill Hartlep
Saturday, September 23, 2023 | 3:19 PM

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Lillie Snow

Class: Senior

School: Freeport

Sport: Golf

Report card: Snow shot a 92 and finished fifth at the Section 2-2A qualifier Tuesday at Fox Chapel Golf Club, beating the target score of 95 to qualify for the WPIAL championships for the third straight season. The senior golfer, who has averaged 41.13 in nine-hole matches this season, will compete in the WPIAL first round Tuesday at Diamond Run Golf Club. She was sixth at the WPIAL Class 2A championships last season after firing a 44-over par 188 over the two-round tournament. She then tied for 23rd at the 2022 PIAA championships.

How did you play in the section qualifier at Fox Chapel on Tuesday?

Honestly, I feel like I could have played a lot better. There was some stupid mistakes, but I’m glad I qualified.

What is the competition like at those type of events?

It’s a lot different than a normal team event just the way it’s organized. Especially the different courses. Fox Chapel is such a nice course. It’s a lot different than other matches.

What’s the toughest hole at Fox Chapel?

No. 13. I got stuck in a bunker. It was a rough hole for me. There’s so many bunkers at Fox Chapel.

What is your goal for the WPIAL championship at Diamond Run?

Really hoping to get to states. I want to place at least top 15. I haven’t played there. I’m playing (a practice round) there Sunday.

What are some of your strengths on the golf course?

My chipping and my driving is my strongest.

How did you get started playing golf?

My dad was always into golf. As a little kid, my brother and I would go on the course right by our house and just chip and putt.

Who would be part of your dream foursome on the course?

Getting to play with all my friends, especially on my team, are the people I like to spend my time with the most.

What’s a course you are dying to play?

I played Oakmont once, but I’d love to go there again. I played the front nine. I’d love to play the back nine. I shot mid-40s, but it’s a tough course.

Have you ever had a hole-in-one or come close?

I’ve come a couple feet close. I’m hoping to get one soon.

Where’s the toughest hole you’ve played?

It’s not a tough hole, but I made it tough on myself. At Oakmont the one with the fescue and sand, that one was pretty tough for me.

Are you involved in any other activities at Freeport?

I play lacrosse. I’m a middie. I do some clubs (at school).

What’s it like playing on the boys team at Freeport?

The boys on the team, I’m really thankful for them. They are so nice and supportive of me. They’re funny, so it’s entertaining to play with them.

Have you made plans for next fall?

I’m hoping I’ll have everything figured out soon. I want to play golf in college, so I’m hoping to do that. I’m setting up some visits.

What do you like to do when you aren’t in school or playing golf?

Hang out with friends or family. My family is very supportive. I love having that.

What’s your favorite home-cooked meal?

My mom’s steaks are pretty good.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

I like the Cheesecake Factory.

What type of music do you like?

Whenever I listen to music, it’s usually Taylor Swift on repeat.

What was the last movie you saw in a theater?

Probably the “Barbie” movie.

What is something people might now know about you?

I used to live in California. I moved here in 2014.

Wes Lorish

Class: Junior

School: Plum

Sport: Golf

Report card: Lorish won the Section 4-3A individual golf championship Monday after firing a 3-over-par 75 at Meadowink Golf Course. He and teammate Tim Pease will compete at the WPIAL championship first round Monday at Latrobe Country Club. The final round will be Oct. 2 at Valley Brook Country Club. Lorish finished tied for fifth at the WPIAL championships last year before placing 10th at the PIAA championships.

How did you play at the section qualifier Monday at Meadowink?

I definitely could have played better. My front nine was a little shaky. We teed off a little early, no range time before. Once I found my game, I was able to string together a pretty good back nine and go under par on the back (35).

How did it feel to qualify for the WPIAL championships again?

It’s definitely a good feeling. That was the expectation coming in, just to play my game. The target score was 81, but I wanted to shoot a score a low as I possibly could and treat it like the WPIALs.

What is the competition like at those type of events?

The competition is really good. It always has been good. There’s a lot of good golfers around here who are capable of shooting good scores. There’s pressure, but it makes me want to play better.

What is your goal for the WPIAL championship?

That course layout is a little bit weird. If I can keep the ball in front of me and make birdies on the easier holes and play my game on the longer, tighter ones, I think I’ll play pretty well.

What are some of your strengths on the golf course?

Lately, my putter has been pretty hot, which helps and takes a lot of pressure off on my approaches and getting off the tee. I don’t feel obligated to hit a hero shot to within 5 feet. I can play smart and let my putter do the work for me.

What’s your average this season? Handicap?

My average is 34.9. I’m around plus-2 (handicap). I’m a plus-2.5 at Willowbrook.

What was your lowest round?

I shot a 66 at Willowbrook last year.

How did you get started playing golf?

When I was really young, my dad and my grandfather played a lot golf. I started off playing on the Wii. I played a lot of golf on that. When I got older, I was beating balls around the house for hours and decided to dedicate a lot of time and practice to it.

Who would be part of your dream foursome on the course?

Probably Michael Jordan, Steph Curry and Adam Sandler.

What’s a course you are dying to play?

Definitely, Pebble Beach. I really want to get out there and play. I’ve seen it my whole life. Everything about is really cool.

Have you ever had a hole-in-one or come close?

I had a hole-in-one at Willowbrook two years ago, Hole 15. It was 140. It took one bounce and then just right in the hole.

Where’s the toughest hole you’ve played?

A hole at Cog Hill in Indiana, Hole No. 12. It’s straight downhill, par 3. If you miss the green, you are either out of bounds or in a 20-foot deep bunker.

Are you involved in any other activities at Plum?

I play basketball. I play shooting guard.

What do you like to do when you aren’t in school or playing golf?

I like to play pick-up basketball with my friends. I like to hang out with my friends and spend time with my family.

Do you have a favorite home-cooked meal?

Probably pork chops.

How about a favorite local restaurant?

I really like Olive Garden.

How many wins will the Steelers have this year?

Hopefully, over eight. I’d be happy with that.

What is something people might now know about you?

That I grew up playing three sports my entire life until last year I had to quit baseball.

Bill Hartlep is the TribLive sports editor. A Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, he joined the Trib in 2004, covering high school sports. He held various editing roles before assuming his current position in 2019. He can be reached at bhartlep@triblive.com.

Tags: Freeport, Plum