Once again, Devon Prep’s excellent golf team reigned supreme as its quest for a PIAA Class 2A state championship remained alive.

Devon’s victory in the PIAA Regional Tournament came against a familiar foe in District 11 champion Palmerton.

The Blue Bombers had to have their “A” game working if they were going to have a chance to knock off the Tide - who had eliminated them at this exact stage in each of the previous three seasons.

Palmerton was at the top of its game on Wednesday at the difficult Olde Homestead Golf Course - as Tyler Hager and Connor Reinhard both shot rounds in the 70s - but its still wasn’t enough to defeat the District 1 champions.

Led by University of Notre Dame-commit Nick Ciocca, who carded a 2-under par 70, Devon Prep had a team score of 313. The Bombers finished second in the three-team event with a score of 342, while District 12 champ New Hope Solebury had a 349.

Backing up Ciocca for Devon Prep were John Curran with a 77, Kidder Urban with an 82 and Jack Dente with an 84.

Hager and Reinhard were nothing short of terrific in leading the Bombers with scores of 76 and 78, respectively. Nate Steinmetz with an 88, and Jared Reinhard with a 100, rounded out the Palmerton scores.

The loss ends Palmerton’s team season one step short of the state championships. The Blue Bombers have been sensational the last four years, capturing four straight District 11 Class 2A titles. This year’s squad had won 15 straight matches prior to Wednesday - a run that also included a Colonial League championship in addition to the district crown.

“This was a different year for us,” said Palmerton coach Alex Knoll. “To get here was above level for us, to be very honest. We were really proud to get to do this four straight years.”

Indeed, it was another shining moment for this golf program, which will be sending three golfers – Hager, Connor Reinhard and Steinmetz - to next Monday and Tuesday’s PIAA individual State Championships at Penn State University’s White Course.

All eyes were focused on the dynamic duo of Perp’s Ciocca and Palmerton’s Hager during Wednesday’s round. Both golfers were part of a threesome which also featured New Hope Solebury’s Malcom Raupp, who carded an 87.

Ciocca was the big hitter of the three with drives nearly 300-plus yards, and it became something of a cat-and-mouse game on the back nine between Hager and Ciocca. Both golfers were playing extremely well with Ciocca taking a three-shot lead into the final three holes.

The Devon Prep golfer hit a huge drive on the par-5, 16th hole, and ended up with a birdie while Hager parred the 537-yard hole.

Hager got that 1-stroke back on the very next hole with a birdie on the par-3 17th hole. Then on the closing hole, Ciocca was near perfect with his drive, and ended with a birdie. Meanwhile, Hager three-putted the hole and took a six.

“It was interesting,” Hager smiled. “I had a nine on the fifth hole, and then played really well until the 18th when I had the double bogey. Overall, playing two bad holes ... I’ll take a 76.”

Hager was a true sportsman in praising Ciocca.

“He was awesome. He hit it so far.. He also hit really good wedges, really good putts all day. I don’t think he missed very many shots. He was fun to watch.”

Despite the loss, Knoll had nothing but praise for his team.

“It’s not about the score today,” said Knoll. “These seniors are leaving with four straight district titles, three straight league titles. We have three individuals playing in states. Probably, the only school in the state to have that. It’s been another great season.”

RETURN TRIP ... Devon Prep coach Tony Ball said this will be his team’s seventh appearance at the state championships.

GREAT GOLF

… “It’s exciting. You get groups from all over Southeastern Pennsylvania. You get to see the best in 3A, and the best in 2A.” said tournament director and Saucon Valley athletic director Robert Frey.

3A CHAMPS

… LaSalle College, the District 12 champion, turned back District 11 champs, Liberty 298-304 in the Class 3A Regional. John Stevens led the winners with a round of 70. Liberty was led by Matt Vital’s 71, and Jimmy Barber with a 78.