STATE COLLEGE – Gracie Scheffler was more at ease, and her final score showed.

On Tuesday, the Northwestern junior golfer was more relaxed with her approach on Penn State University’s Blue Course for the PIAA Golf Championships.

Northwestern coach Tim Miller gave Scheffler a few words of wisdom to think about on the second day of the tournament.

“As I knew she would, Gracie was less nervous and more focused,” Miller said. “Before the round we discussed course management and not getting caught up in what everyone else is doing.

“She followed our plan and shot a very competitive score.”

Scheffler relished the experience of her first time playing at states, and went on to finish with a score of 92, which was five strokes better than Monday. Scheffler finished 32nd in the field of competitors.

“I was happy with my results at states this year,” Scheffler said. “On the front nine, I felt more comfortable overall. I wasn’t tense anymore and just was focused on having fun with the game and the people I played with.

“I also was in a very good rhythm at the end of my round yesterday, which made my score the way it was.”

The junior finished with less bogeys (4) and par scores (8).

Scheffler bettered Monday’s first nine holes (on the back nine) by one stroke (50 to a 49), and showed more confidence over the final nine holes. Over the front nine, she posted a par score on Hole Nos. 1, 3, 5, and 6 to finish with a 43 on the day. That score was four strokes better than Monday’s round.

“I still think there are a lot of things that I can work to improve on,” Scheffler added. “But, overall, I had a great first experience.

“I am looking forward to putting the work in, in the offseason, so that I can have another shot at States next year.”

While Scheffler bettered her game on Tuesday, so did several others.

Madison Koshko, of St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy, also improved her overall score the next day. On Day 1, Koshko carded a one-over-par score 73. She followed that with a five-under-par 67 to win the girls’ Class 2A event.

Scheffler will take the memories, as well as representing District 11 out in State College.

Mara Dubacher led the way for District 11, as the Moravian Academy golfer finished tied for ninth on the day.

Scheffler is eager to return to states next year, something Miller is well aware of.

“As we were leaving the course, I reminded her she was one of only 36 AA girls in the state that earned the right to compete in this tournament,” Miller added. “Gracie’s response to me was, ‘Tim let’s do this again next year!’”

CLASS 2A CHAMPION … Nick Werner, of Wyoming Seminary, posted a two-under par score of 70 on Monday, and then a four-under-par score of 68 yesterday to take home the Boys’ 2A title.

CLASS 3A WINNERS … Carson Kittsley, of Fox Chapel, matched his Day 1 round of 68 with another on Day 2 to win the Boys’ Class 3A title. Mya Morgan, of Elizabeth Forward, shot a four-under-par 68 on Day 1 and followed with a three-over-par 75, and was able to walk away with the Girls’ Class 3A gold.

EXPERIENCE TAKEN … “I can’t wait to share my experience with my teammates,” Scheffler said. “I think that I will definitely emphasize the fact that it’s OK to be nervous no matter when you’re playing. Also, it’s important to practice everything because you never know what type of situation you will be in, especially out at the big course. PSU is a course that I won’t forget.”