Bulldogs Down Eastern Michigan 4-1 But Fall to No. 1 Kent State in Quarterfinals

LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. – In its first match play tournament of the spring season, the UNC Asheville golf team won 4-1 in the opening round over Eastern Michigan but fell to top-seeded Kent State on Monday in the Mid-American Match Play Challenge.

Opening Round Highlights

In the opening round of the challenge, the Bulldogs downed Eastern Michigan 4-1 behind Becca Black's and Taylor Hinson's dominating first 18 holes.

Black was tied with Julia Stevenson after the first nine holes, but Black jumped out to a four-point lead five holes through the back nine, and with only three holes remaining, she claimed the 4&3 victory.

Hinson jumped out to an early lead as she was up three after the first opening three holes. The freshman and Preaw Sripatrprasite were battling neck-and-neck for the next six holes, but Hinson claimed two points on holes 15 and 16 to secure the 4&2 victory.

Adelyn Deery won 2&1 in her match as she either tied or won 15 of the 17 holes played. Kellen Alsip capped off the wins for the Bulldogs as she won 1UP despite a late rally by EMU's Thelma Beck.

Quarterfinal Highlights

After the first 18 holes, the Bulldogs advanced to play top seeded Kent State. Black had the best round for the Bulldogs as the sophomore won her head-to-head 3&2. Her lead got as high as four points 11 holes into the quarterfinals. With a three-hole advantage, she earned her second straight individual victory on Monday.

Deery played tough in the second round as she only lost by one hole in the head-to-head. The sophomore mounted a comeback late as she tied the match on the 17th hole. However, Michaela Finn carded a birdie on the final hole to claim the narrow win.

Despite two strong showings, Kent State went on to win 4-1 to advance to the semifinals of the match play challenge.

What to Watch for on Tuesday

Despite dropping a match in the winner's bracket, the Bulldogs will play at least one more head-to-head match as they are scheduled to play No. 7 Ohio beginning at 7:50 a.m. on hole 10.

If the Bulldogs win over the Bobcats, they will play one final round in hopes to win the Consolation Bracket of the tournament.