Zach Juhasz began playing golf just three years ago but still set a personal goal to win the District 11 championship. And he almost did.

A week after his disappointing playoff loss, the Freedom High senior recuperated to qualify for his first appearance at the PIAA Class 3A tournament. Juhasz shot a 3-over 75 at the PIAA East regional Tuesday at Golden Oaks in Fleetwood, leading all District 11 players at the 18-hole qualifier.

Juhasz and Freedom teammate Helen Hsu led a group of six District 11 golfers who advanced to next week's PIAA championships in York. Hsu, a senior, shot 79 to reach states for the first time. Freedom coach Mike Evans admitted to some surprise.

"It's been quite a few years since we've had two state qualifiers," Evans said. "To go 2-for-2 here, I'm thrilled."

Bethlehem Catholic's J.T. Barker shot a 4-over 76 to advance to his first Class 2A boys tournament.

Emmaus' Kelsey Patterson (81) made the Class 3A girls field for the first time, while Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg's Krista Kissel (84) and Central Catholic's Franca Hurtado (89) returned to states in Class 2A. Hurtado, the District 11 2A girls champ, is making her third trip to states. Kissel, a sophomore, is a two-time qualifier.

Three years ago, Juhasz began playing golf with his dad and immediately took to the sport. He soon was breaking 100, then began to practice ritually, then shot a 42 for nine holes at Bethlehem Municipal.

As a freshman he approached Evans in history class at Freedom and expressed interest in playing golf. Why not? Evans said, figuring the young player was just beginning. But he learned quickly.

Between his sophomore and junior years, Juhasz lowered his average from 90 to 79. This season, Juhasz averaged 76 for Freedom, including a competitive low round of 70 at Bethlehem Municipal. Juhasz said his personal best there is 67.

"He works at the game incessantly," Evans said. "I've never seen anyone with more passion for the game than Zach."

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Freedom's Zach Juhasz has passion for golf that led him to PIAA championships