For the first time in his 24-year career, Liberty golf coach Steve Bradley has three golfers at 3A state final at Penn State.

Seniors Matt and Michael Vital along with junior Jase Barker made the trip to the Blue and White course at Happy Valley. For the first time in the history of the tournament, it was a two-day event that began Monday.

On the first day, Matt Vital shot a 1-under 71 and was in fourth place. Michael Vital fired a 78 and finished 36th. Barker withdrew due to a severe migraine headache. The second day took place after Press deadlines.

“Matt played solid,” said Bradley. “He started really well on the back, going eagle and then birdie on 10 and 11. Mike played pretty well going six-under par. Jase had to withdraw.”

Vital appreciated his performance in an environment that presented some chill and drill.

“The conditions made the course play really tough, so I was glad to pull out a one-under par,” said Vital. “Making two bogeys and no birdies on the front nine didn’t help me mentally.

“But the eagle on number 10 flipped the switch for me, and I didn’t make a bogey after that.”

Bradley has never had a state champion and neither has the Lehigh Valley. But he is confident a member of his trio can bring back gold.

“I really think one of them can do it,” he said. “It is a long course, and each of them are long hitters. They understand the pressures of playing in a big tournament and at a big venue.

“They all played well for the season, and they can bounce back from adversity.”

Liberty recently lost in the PIAA subregional to LaSalle. The Hurricanes defeated LaSalle en route to their state run in 2020.

Bradley saw a tight match slip away from them on the back nine.

“We didn’t make our shots there,” he said. “We missed some puts and had some bogeys. It was unlike us. But those things can happen to any team.

“LaSalle had a very good team. Their top guy shot a 70, and he was just laser-focused the entire day.”

Last year, Matt Vital was tied for 12th, one shot out of a medal, and Michael Vital was tied for 57th. Barker was tied for 46th two years ago.