Butler’s DeCola and Waynesburg’s Rohanna Win WPIAL Girls Golf Gold

By: HSSN Staff
Tuesday, October 4, 2011 | 11:27 PM

The WPIAL Division I and II Girls Golf Championships saw fog, rain and soggy conditions slow down play considerably at the Long Vue Club in Verona on Tuesday. But when it was done, a new champion was crowned in Division I and Division II had a repeat winner.

Marissa DeCola of Butler, one of four players in the field that were making their fourth WPIAL Championship appearance, fired an even par 72 to pick up her first title. DeCola finished second in 2009 and third in last year’s tournament. DeCola said she stayed in the fairway the entire day, she was one over after the front nine. The senior said with the backup on the front nine, she had trouble getting started, but got into a groove on the back, shooting one under par. DeCola will head to Bloomington and Indiana University to continue her playing career.

Also making her fourth appearance was Katterina Luttner of Fox Chapel, the 2010 champion. She finished second at three over 75. Luttner’s sister Nadia won the 2008 and 2009 championship. Luttner said she struggled with her putting all day. With the backup in play, Luttner said she wanted the scoring updates but couldn’t really get one since DeCola was playing in the group behind her. The senior will head to Ole Miss next year, her sister is currently at Kansas.

Another four time qualifier, Kendall Allen of Shady Side Academy, also a senior, finished third with a 76. Allen won the 2010 PIAA Western Regional last year. The fourth player, Danielle Von Waldow of Upper St. Clair tied for the final PIAA qualifying spot and had to win a playoff to move on. 

Emily Rohanna of Waynesburg won her second straight Division II championship with a 79. Rohanna’s sister Rachael won WPIAL gold in 2005 and 2007. Rohanna said she struggled with her short game and putting on the front nine, going out with a 42, six over par. Rohanna came back with a 37 on the back to claim the championship over Mia Barchetti of Penn-Trafford by four shots. The senior will commit to Youngstown State sometime in the next couple of weeks.

The top twelve players overall advance to the PIAA Western Regionals, those will be held on Monday, October 18th back at Tom’s Run in Blairsville. Here are all of the qualifiers, plus participant’s scores. 

1  Marissa DeCola – Butler – 72 (D-I winner)

12. Danielle Von Waldow – Upper St. Clair – 87
(Von Waldow won a playoff for the final qualifying spot)

Other players participating:
Shannon Gramley – Shady Side Academy – 87
Melissa Kearney – Upper St. Clair – 88
Jocelyn Sudar – Central Valley – 88
Abbie Helbing – Beaver – 90
Gillan Alexander – Jefferson Morgan – 91
Ashley DeMoss – Fox Chapel – 91
Marissa Sudar – Central Valley – 92
Ryanne Tyler – North Allegheny – 92
Royce Bechtel – Penn Trafford – 93
Gianna Pro – Penn Trafford – 93
Michelle Bucklew – Shady Side Academy – 94
Abbie Empfield – Kiski Area – 95
Alexa Glew – Mars – 95
Marlee Tyler – North Allegheny – 96
Kelsey Soom – Laurel Highlands  – 97
Alana Hiner – Peters Township  – 97
Lizzie Hammel – North Allegheny –  98
Mallory Stack – Shaler – 103
Alexa Tichen – Mars 103
Mary Malanos – Oakland Catholic – 107
Daniella Battisti – Central Valley 109
Chelsea Tompson – Kiski Area – 110
Emily Kramer – Kiski Area – 121

Tags: Butler, Central Valley, Fox Chapel, Waynesburg Central