Currently on a streak of 11 straight wins, the North Allegheny girls’ golf team is having a fantastic season.
“Over the last three years I’ve been a part of the team, this is by far the best start we’ve had,” senior Kirsten Karlovits said. “This year, especially, we have learned to trust ourselves and believe that we can put our best scores out there,”
Competition began on August 7 with a match against Mt. Lebanon, concluding in a tie, 169-169. Next, the girls took on the Mars Planets in their home opener and secured a 177-187 victory.
A few days later, the girls faced a talented Peters Township team, the defending WPIAL and PIAA champions. The Tigers won by six strokes, 170-176, with superior performances from seniors Kayli Dings, Omisa Shah, Grace Means, and Karlovits as well as freshmen Taylor Rittler.
At the NA Tiger Invitational hosted by Diamond Run Golf Club, the Tigers took the victory with a combined team score of 252, just three shots over arch-rival Pine-Richland. To add to the excitement, Dings made her first career hole-in-one on Diamond Run’s thirteenth hole, a 110-yard Par 3.
The winning streak continued with Tiger victories over Blackhawk, Shaler, Seneca Valley, and Butler.
Then came the team’s toughest match against Pine-Richland, according to Shah.
“Last year, we lost the section title to them in the final game of the season,” the senior said. “So this year there was a lot of pressure, especially since the match was on their home course.”
The Tigers and the Rams began the match as the only undefeated teams in the section. But after the final pairing had finished their round, the Tigers were the last team standing, 165-172.
“Their team is really talented and they’re also a lot of fun, which makes the matches against them some of my favorites,” Shah added. “Pulling off the win gave us confidence and showed us that we have a chance to do well this season.”
The Tigers then tallied two easy wins against the Blackhawk Cougars and the Shaler Titans. Despite a forfeit by Shaler, the round was particularly special for Karlovits, as she made a hole in one on Diamond Run’s fifth hole from 117 yards out.
At first, I contemplated what club to use, since the pin was in the front, but then I just told myself ,’Pick one and hit the ball already,’” Karlovits said. “So I swung away and skyrocketed my ball to the front of the green. Foot by foot, it rolled closer to the hole and finally fell in.”
Karlovits then described her emotion after the shot.
“I was in disbelief. I didn’t know whether to cry or scream or jump in happiness, for I was still in complete shock that it actually went in. This is definitely one of the most exciting moments in my life so far and I hope to do it again in the future!” she said.
“The key to our success definitely rides upon motivation,” Dings, one of WPIAL’s standouts this year, said. “Last year, we lost the section title to Pine-Richland, but we’ve always had the ability to pull out a win. This year we are determined to prove ourselves. Everyone has been putting in extra effort, holding each other accountable, and staying focused on our goals.”
Dings also mentioned her personal goals for the remainder of the season.
“I want to keep improving every match and push myself so I can compete at states,” she said. “I am aiming to place in the top 10 individually.”
The girls are currently 11-0 and undefeated in the section, so expectations are high.
“We want to close out the season strong, bring back the section title, perform our best in the WPIALs, and win a state title,” Dings said. “We know we’ll be tested from here on, but if we stay focused, work hard, and play together, I believe we can achieve all of that.”
