Sophomore golfer Michael Quallich took first place at individual section championships on Monday.

Quallich shot a 71, the low score at sections. He and junior Mack Dempsey now have qualified for WPIAL individual championships next week.

Quallich’s claim to success was his short game.

“I finally started to chip and putt well. It came at the perfect time as well, in the section championships,” Quallich said.

Quallich feels confident about moving forward into the WPIAL championship.

“Hopefully I can go under par again and lead through the first round,” Quallich said.

Dempsey said his mental success transferred to shooting a 77 on Monday.

“I kept a good mindset the entire time,” Dempsey said.

Quallich and Dempsey are looking forward to playing at South Pointe Golf Course for the WPIAL individual championships.

“I can’t wait to play at South Pointe. It should be the nicest and hardest course I’ve ever played on,” Dempsey said.

Dempsey has a different approach than Quallich.

“My goal is to break 80 and make it to the next round and then go from there,” Dempsey said.

Both said they need to improve off the tee.

“I need to improve on keeping my drives consistent and find fairways,” Quallich said.

The first round of WPIAL individual championships will be Sept. 24 at South Pointe Golf Course.