Palmerton’s Joey Solt and Tamaqua’s Sam Vinc were both pleased with their final round at the PIAA State Golf Championships at Penn State’s Blue Course in State College Tuesday afternoon.

But they also both appreciated the bigger picture.

It wasn’t just the end of their seasons, but another bridge toward another roadway ahead.

Ironically, both also were in a stroke over each other in the 72-player field.

For Solt, who shot a 3-over 75, it was his final hole on 18 that he birdied thanks to a chip shot out of the bunker that led to an easy putt to cap his day and the season.

Solt also shot a 75 on Monday for a two-round total of six-over 150 and tied for 16th. He had two birdies, five bogeys, and an eagle on the fifth hole, where he drained a 30-foot putt that hit the flag stick and dropped in the hole.

“When the putt went in, it felt good knowing I had a good tournament and a good season,” beamed the junior, who finished fourth at districts. “I began to realize what I had accomplished this season, and how much I grew as a player.

“It all paid off at the end of the year.”

Solt relied on his putting after a prior day’s success with his driver and irons.

“My putting improved,” said Solt. “My short irons were not as sharp, and my driver was good, and I wasn’t hurt by it.”

Firing a 77 on Monday, Vinc responded with a 2-over 74 for a two-day total of 7-over 151. He admittedly played more relaxed this time around than his opening round.

“I was more mentally comfortable with the conditions,” said Vinc, who had two birdies, two bogeys, and a double-bogey. “I felt better despite shooting around the same score.”

Unlike Solt, Vinc had consistent play with his irons.

“I felt like I played really well,” said Vinc. “Surprisingly, I kept my 6-iron close and hit the shot where I wanted to whenever it was in hand.”

After their first strokes Tuesday, both felt a sense of comfort on the state’s big stage.

They both battled through some early obstacles.

Solt was plagued with a double-bogey on the second hole, and bogey on three, and Vinc was troubled with a double-bogey on three.

“Yes, there was way less pressure today,” emphasized Solt. “Once I took my first swing, I felt more relaxed. I figured they might make some adjustments on the course, but I knew what was ahead. After how I played (Monday), I knew I could have another good day once I got started.

Vinc also appreciated playing on the same course again.

“It felt good out there,” he said. “I had some issues yesterday, but I didn’t let it get to me on either day. It was easier today.

Palmerton head golf coach Alex Knoll saw plenty of positives in the present and future from Solt.

“I was very proud of how he battled both days,” boasted Knoll. “He got off to a rough start early in the round, but he battled back and had an incredible eagle on the fifth hole. He hit a lot of quality shots down the stretch to make some good pars.

“He’s very consistent and definitely maturing as a great golfer.”

Tamaqua head coach Matt Stine knows Vinc hasn’t been bothered by many distractions. Vinc advanced to states last season and finished 23rd, and also captured the District 11 Class 2A championship this season.

“He was very solid from tee to green,” stressed Stine about his sophomore player. “I honestly felt that Sam has had a strong mental game since I met him. But definitely winning championships and playing in states as a freshman and now as a sophomore helps solidify that strength.”

Both golfers plan to keep playing when they can throughout the fall and winter months on the courses or via simulators. Solt will participate in the Hurricane Junior Tournament in Orlando during December.

CHIPS AND PUTTS ... Scranton Prep’s Cole Powell and Annville-Cleona’s Ben Allwein both tied for the lead at 69 after the opening round and each netted 71s on day two. Powell won the tournament in a two-hole playoff ... West Allegheny’s Nico Ward fired a 9-under 63 and finished with a 14-under 130 to claim the 3A title ... Saucon Valley’s Anthony Albano was tied for 10th with his 1-under 71 and 1-under 143 for the tournament ... Parkland’s Parker Willis finished tied for 17th with his 1-under 71 and 2-over 146 overall.