June 24, 2010
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Fighting Irish women’s golfers Becca Huffer (Denver, Colo./Littleton) and Nicole Zhang (Calgary, Alberta/Bishop Carroll) were each ousted in Round of 32 match play action at the 2010 U.S. Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship (WAPL) on Thursday afternoon at Notre Dame’s Warren Golf Course.
Zhang, who was seeded seventh after two rounds of stroke play, dropped a tough match to Ellen Mueller of Bartlesville, Okla. Mueller took a 2-up lead for most of the day, but Zhang closed the gap before ultimately losing 2&1.
Huffer, the 34th seed, played a riveting match versus second-seeded Martina Gavier of Argentina. Huffer had been 2-up on the back nine, but a charge by Gavier led to an all-square score through 17 holes. The duo then each earned pars on the 18th to move the match to extra holes. On the second playoff hole, both players hit the green with their approach shots. Huffer, who was above the hole, just missed a 20-foot birdie attempt leaving the door open for Gavier, who calmly converted a 15-footer from the left fringe for the win.
Irish fans can now look forward to catching Zhang in action at the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open, as she becomes the first Irish player to tee it up at the marquee event. She is one of 30 amateurs currently slated to take part. The Open will be played on July 5 through the 11 at the Oakmont Country Club in Oakmont, Pa. July 5, 6 and 7 will feature practice rounds, while first round action gets underway on July 8.
2010 U.S. Women’s Open: Schedule of Play & Television Coverage
Thu., July 8 // First Round
Gates Open at 6:30 a.m.
ESPN2 First Round coverage 3:00-7:00 p.m. (EST)
Fri., July 9 // Second Round
Gates Open at 6:30 a.m.
ESPN2 Second Round coverage 3:00-7:00 p.m. (EST)
Field is cut at the conclusion of play to low 60 and ties, plus anyone within 10 strokes of the leader
Sat., July 10 // Third Round
Gates Open at 7:00 a.m.
NBC Third Round coverage 3:00-6:00 p.m. (EST)
Sun., July 11 // Final Round
Gates Open at 7:00 a.m.
NBC Final Round coverage 3:00-6:00 p.m.(EST)
Trophy Presentation on 18th green immediately following play
–ND–