After she missed the cut to the PIAA state tournament by one stroke last year, Gracie Scheffler’s goal this season was obvious and her sights were set.

It was time to get to the state’s Big Dance.

Playing well lately, Scheffler was confident her chances were enhanced to be playing golf in late October.

Tuesday afternoon at the Steel Club in Bethlehem, the Northwestern junior’s goal became a reality.

Scheffler shot a 96 to become the area’s lone golfer to qualify for the PIAA state tournament, beginning Oct. 21 at Penn State’s golf courses at State College.

Although she was elated, Scheffler took her success in the Class 2A event in stride.

“I’m just very happy,” she gushed. “After last season, my primary goal was shoot under 100 and to get to states. I just tried to do my best out there, and it worked out.

“This is one of my higher-end scores, but I’ll take it to get to states. I have been practicing a lot lately, and all of my efforts paid off.”

In the beginning of her round, however, Scheffler had some initial thoughts that her goal may have been put on hold for a year. But she stayed composed and kept her focus.

“I didn’t start off well,” she lamented. “But I was able to pull it together and had some good pars at the end.

“I putted well, and my close approach shots were good.”

Fortunately for her and the program, Scheffler wasn’t alone. Avri Chandler finished fourth with a 99, and Addison Remaley was tied for fifth with a 102. Both Chandler and Remaley medaled, but neither qualified for states.

Northwestern head coach Tim Miller truly enjoyed the afternoon.

“I am very proud of them,” beamed Miller. “They worked hard all year, and they have improved from year to year. I can’t say enough about them because they hang in there and do the best they can.”

As for her goals for states, Scheffler is taking it day-by-day.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead,” she said. “I’m proud of what we were able to do as a team here even though we didn’t make it to team districts.”

ON THE RISE ... Sophomore Cole Dynda was the other Tiger to participate, and shot a 98 to tie for 13th place in the boys 2A tournament.

“He didn’t have his best stuff,” said Miller. “But you will hear from him again.”

NOT A PLEASANT VALLEY ... Pleasant Valley’s Lydon Patascher, the reigning Times News/Lehigh Valley Health Network Golfer, finished with a 10-over 82. Patascher earlier this season fired a record-setting 60 at Allentown Municipal to break the course record of 61 previously held by Arnold Palmer.

“He had a great season,” said Pleasant Valley head golf coach Steve Krechel about his senior. “He just didn’t play well today. He was one-under the last five holes, which showed that he didn’t give up on his day after he got off to a bad start.”

LOCAL FRONT ... Aside from the Northwestern golfers, other locals who participated were Palmerton’s Joey Solt, who shot a 92, Lehighton’s Michael D’Amico, who carded a 95, and Jim Thorpe’s Anna Figura, who finished with a 117.