Kim's Comeback Win Highlights Final Day At East Lake Cup

11/1/2017 7:58:00 PM | Women's Golf

By: Dominic Cotroneo

By: Dominic Cotroneo

ATLANTA, GA — Hannah Kim earned a win Wednesday to improve to 2-0 at the prestigious East Lake Cup, and Northwestern wrapped up the competition with a narrow 2-1-2 loss to defending NCAA champion Arizona State at East Lake Golf Club.

East Lake Cup RESULTS

Kim, victorious 3&1 over the Sun Devils' Madison Kerley, had to work from behind to give the 'Cats a point. The senior dropped the first two holes of the day, found herself 3-down after just five holes. "I knew from the start that this match wasn't going to be easy," Kim said. "I learned that you've just got to adjust to the golf course we are playing."

Nearing the turn, Kim won Nos. 6 and 7 to cut the deficit to one, dropped No. 8, but then won Nos. 9 and 10 to square the match and never looked back. She won holes 14, 15, and 17 with two birdies and a par to close out the match.

Just ahead of her, junior Janet Mao was in a true rematch from last year's NCAA Championship with Roberta Liti. The match was tightly contested with neither competitor moving up more than two for the final 14 holes. In the end, the match was halved earning both teams half of a point.

"Neither of us really got anything too crazy going," Mao said. "But we were back-and-forth all day, so it was a good match."

Another halved match included sophomore Brooke Riley against the No. 8 ranked amateur in the world, Linnea Strom. "Brooke did a phenomenal job playing against one of the top players in the world," head coach Emily Fletcher said. Riley trailed for 11 of the first 12 holes but managed to claw back to all square for the final three holes in the final match of the afternoon.

"Pretty phenomenal to come down to the last hole there," Fletcher said. "But Arizona State is a great team, but felt good about the way we competed today.

Northwestern - 2 vs. Arizona State - 3
Hannah Kim def. Madison Kerley 3&1
Brooke Riley & Linnea Strom A/S
Janet Mao & Roberta Liti A/S
Olivia Mehaffey def. Stephanie Lau 3&2
Sophia Zeeb def. Sarah Cho 1UP

Despite the defeat, there was time to reflect on the week that was at East Lake. "Overall it's just an outstanding event, a first-class event, and we are privileged to be a part of it," Fletcher said.

"It has been an absolute honor and blessing," Kim echoed. "Being treated like royalty, the food has been great; everything has been really good. It's been an amazing experience."

The East Lake Cup is the final event on Northwestern's fall slate. The 'Cats return to action on February 11 in the Northrop Grumman Challenge in Palos Verdes, CA.