PIAA GIRLS GOLF: ATHENS' CARLSON IN TOP-20 AFTER DAY 1 AT CLASS CHAMPIONSHIPS (5 PHOTOS) (October 19, 2026)

Valley Sports Report
STATE COLLEGE — Athens freshman Lilah Carlson is in the top-20 after Day 1 of the PIAA, Class AA Girls Golf Championships here Monday at the Penn State Blue Course.

"It was a great day for Lilah," said Athens coach Mason Lyons. "She was excited, confident, and just couldn't wait to get her round started. As a freshman, she went into the day without expectations, just to absorb everything and do her best.

"She hit more than 50 percent of fairways off the tee," noted Lyons. "Even with a couple lip-outs, her putting was very good — 19 putts on the front nine, and 18 putts on the back nine. 

"Overall, it was a great day," added Lyons. "I'm looking forward to seeing her play Round 2 tomorrow."

Lyons was especially impressed with the freshman's composure on the big stage.

"There was a lot of excitement at the course with all the golfers and spectators, but Lilah went through her pre-round routine and seemed unfazed by all the distractions," he said. 

"Once the round started, she looked comfortable, just like it was a typical match for her," added Lyons.

Carlson carded an 87, with a 42 on the front nine and a 45 on the back nine. She had three pars on the first nine, and three on the back nine.

Alyssa Zhang of Shady Side Academy was the long golfer under par after Day 1, shooting a 3-under par round of 69. Wilmington's Lindsey Hoover was in second after a 72, and Chariters-Houston's JoJo Jaskulsi was third with a 73.

Carlson will tee off on hole-1 at 11:30 a.m.

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IN PHOTOS: Athens freshman Lilah Carlson. ... PHOTOS BY LANCE LARCOM.

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