Golfer Rhianna Gooneratne repeats as League champion and takes District title on road to states

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School senior Rhianna Gooneratne fought through windy conditions and a tight field of contenders to take the District One title in girls golf on her way to the state championship starting October 21 in State College.

At the District One Tournament, Rhianna shot a 76 and ended Day 1 tied for second place at Raven's Claw Golf Club in Pottstown. The qualifiers moved to Turtle Creek Golf Course in Limerick for Day 2. After 12 holes, Rhianna found herself tied for the lead and pushed ahead to finish with a three-shot victory and completing her goal to be District Champion.

Click here for the Suburban One Sports article on the Suburban One League sweep at districts.

To qualify for the district competition, Rhianna Gooneratne claimed the Suburban One League Championship title for the second year in a row. 

Rhianna is the first student in recent history to win back-to-back Suburban One League titles, according to Coach Jeff Kavanaugh. Rhianna won the SOL tournament held in Warminster the first week of October, also by three shots, ending with a score of 70, which is one under par. Read more about her game by clicking here to access the Suburban One Sports article about the league tournament.

“She played some very smart golf, switching to her 3 wood off the tee and getting back-to-back birdies after the switch,” said Mr. Kavanaugh. 

Last year, Rhianna finished third in the District One tournament and is the defending state champion for PIAA AAA girls golf. She is the first girl and second golfer in school history to win a state title.

On the boys’ side, Sean Herron qualified for the District One tournament but missed the cut for Day 2 competition.