For Palmerton’s Jared Grammes, Tamaqua’s Sam Vinc, and Northwestern’s Avri Chandler, a day did make a difference.

However, this time around at the PIAA State Golf Championships at Penn State, the day was a positive in spite of some winds and a late, light bout of rain.

After battling their share of wind, cold and rain on Monday, the local trio played in favorable conditions, and they all enjoyed their final day of the two-day tournament.

It proved to be a rewarding day for all three in their first visit to the state’s Big Dance.

They quickly gained a sense of comfortability after the first 18 holes, and felt confident their games could reach another level. For two of them, it was inspiring, while for another, it was anti-climactic.

“I played great today,” beamed Grammes, who shot a two-over 74, impressively shaving seven strokes of his opening-round 81. “Being familiar helped some, and also the wind wasn’t as bad. The conditions were a lot easier.”

Grammes, who had two birdies on his front nine 36, stated his putting was the difference. He is already anxious to take the next step.

“About two years ago, I started to take it seriously,” said the junior. “I feel like in the last year I have developed a lot. What kept me motivated during the season was working toward getting to states because last year I failed that goal.”

Palmerton head golf coach Alex Knoll was impressed.

“Jared play really well,” stressed Knoll. “It was less windy, and there was a little rain at the end. He wanted to shoot either a 73 or 74, and he had a great round. His driver was working for him, and he hit the ball well.

Vinc ended the day with a five-over 77, a stroke off his 76 from Monday. The freshman was satisfied overall with his tie for 23rd finish, but fate sometimes worked against him.

“I was happy with the finish, but I felt like I had a lot of birdie chances that didn’t fall,” said Vinc. “The conditions were better today, and I was pleased with how I played.”

Tamaqua head coach Matt Stine liked what he saw from his budding golfer despite the elements.

“I think he played very well,” boasted Stine. “The playing conditions yesterday were very difficult, with very strong winds. Today was a little better, but the wind was definitely a factor, and it started to rain over the last four holes.

“Tee to green, he was very solid today.”

Vinc credited consistent ball contact and putter play as his keys to the day. He anticipates building on his seasonal and postseason play toward next year.

“I feel like I have gained more consistency, but I feel like I can still make progress. Always trying to get better and improve my game is my motivation.”

Chandler netted an 87, cutting six strokes off her first-day 93. She ended her high school career with a 29th-place finish.

The senior raised her game, and truly enjoyed the moment in the spotlight as she made the most of her final season.

“I definitely did a lot better than yesterday,” gushed Chandler. “It was easier, but still a bit tough with the rain. My long game was strong again, still struggled on the short game.”

“I started golf as a freshman, and I kept up with it since. I feel like this season was definitely my best.”

Chandler acknowledged her year was made easier by the constant support of head coach Tim Miller.

“What kept me motivated this season was my coach,” said Chandler. “He was always there for me no matter what. After this, I plan to continue my golf career, and hope to play on.”

NEVER A DOUBT ... St. Joseph’s (Boalsburg) Madison Koshko fired a pair of 68s on both days, and won the girls event with an eight-under 136. Scranton Prep’s Cole Powell was also in command with a 68 and 69 for a seven-under 137 to gain the boys title.

HOMEFRONT ... Moravian Academy’s Mara Duracher was the highest area finisher with an eight-over 152 that gave her a tie for sixth place. Vinc was the highest area finisher.