Rika Park Reaches Quarters of WSGA

May 23, 2012

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – As soon as it ends, so it begins. University of Miami sophomore Rika Park is back on the tournament trail after completing her first season for the Hurricanes. Less than two weeks removed from competing at the NCAA Central Regionals, Park entered the 97th annual WSGA Amateur Championship held at Myers Park Country Club in Charlotte, N.C. and is making noise in the match-play tournament.

Qualifying began on Monday as 86 participants competed to make the top 32 and continue play for the elusive championship. Last year, Calle Nielson of the University of Virginia took home the trophy.

During qualifying, Park fired a one-under 71 and was more than enough to stamp her place into the round of 32 with a fourth place finish.

On Tuesday, the 32 remaining participants entered match play. The Canes sophomore would be paired with Patty Moore of Carmel Community College, who finished 29th during qualifying. Park emerged as the winner with a 2-and-1 victory and a spot in the round of 16.

Earlier today in the round of 16, Park was paired with Vanessa Koechli of Thornblade Community College, who earlier beat Tama Caldabaugh of Ponte Vedra Beach. Park beat Moore with a one-up to continue her journey through the Championship and into the quarterfinals with seven other competitors.

Park is the 4th-seed in the tournament and the highest remaining player. She will take on Danielle Lendl on Thursday morning with a tee time of 8:40 a.m.

The 97th annual WSGA Amateur Championship continues Thurs. May 24, 2012. To find parings and tee times visit the Women’s Southern Golf Association website. Check back with us at HurricaneSports.com and follow us on twitter at @hurricanesgolf for the latest news.