STATE COLLEGE — For the second year in a row, the State College High School golf team lost out on a Pennsylvania State Championship Trophy by a single stroke.
Last year, the Little Lions finished the tournament with a score of 1-under par 287, which was one stroke behind tournament champion Unionville.
This year, the Little Lions came even closer to winning the title.
State College and LaSalle College tied for the team low score with identical scores of 8-under par 280 that forced a playoff between the two teams.
The playoff consisted of four players from each team, and after the first hole, they were still tied.
Then, on the second playoff hole, LaSalle won the hole by one stroke and became the 2026 PIAA State Team Golf Champion.
For State College, after an outstanding season that included a District 6 championship, it was a stinging loss.
But the 280 score was seven strokes better than in 2025, and three of the golfers came in with under-par scores.
Luke McGraw, who finished fourth overall in the PIAA Individual Championship, led the team with a masterful 7-under par, 32-33, 65.
Charlie Larido, who defeated McGraw in extra holes in the D6 championship, came in with a 3-under 69, while Jacky Sun had a 1-under 71 and Luke Ladrido shot a 3-over 75.
LaSalle was led by AJ Cifra and Liam Littleton, who both shot 3-under 69.
Fox Chapel finished third with a 2-under 286 and West Allegheny was fourth with an even-par 288.
In the Girls’ Team Tournament, the State College team finished in eighth place with a score of 287.
Peters Township won the championship followed by Conestoga, Abington Heights and South Fayette.
