Rachel Welker, Terre Haute, Tobi Herron, Columbus, Cherise Otter, Bloomington, and Kayla Katterhenry, Newburgh, will comprise the final four at the IWGA Match Play Championship at Highland G & CC.
Welker knocked out Caitlyn Henderson of Carmel during this morning’s round of 16 and advanced to the round of eight where she faced Ashtyn Brown of Richmond. Welker defeated Brown 5 & 4 and will compete in tomorrow’s semi-final match.
“I didn’t do anything special today,” Welker said. “I made a long putt for birdie on the par-4, 1st, but after that I just consistently made pars.”
Tobi Herron faced Katie Sharp of Kendallville during the morning’s match and defeated her 3 & 2. During the afternoon match, Herron battled Isabella Lambert of Indianapolis. Herron and Lambert were All Square through five holes, but Herron grabbed a lead on the back nine and won the match 4 & 3.
“This is my first time playing in the Match Play Championship,” Herron said. “I plan to take things one hole at a time and see what happens. I hope to continue to play steady.”
Kayla Katterhenry faced Caroline Smith of Columbus during the opening round of 16 and defeated her with a tremendous 8 & 7 finish. She went on to play fifteen year-old Alexis Miestowski who hung in until the 18th. Katterhenry got up-and-down from the bunker, sinking a 20 foot par putt on 17 to go 1-up in the match, which she maintained through 18.
“I started off 3-up through eight and was hitting fairways and my driver was working well for me,” Katterhenry said. “Alexis really hung in there and I give her a lot of credit.”
Cherise Otter defeated Lauren Tibbets of Converse during the morning match with a 2-up finish. She went on to play 2013 Champion Brooke Beegle of Fishers. Otter defeated Beegle 3 & 1 and will play in tomorrow’s semi-final match.
“I played solid today and my morning match was especially tough,” Otter said. “I hope to play tomorrow how I did today andwe will see what happens.”
Welker will face Otter tomorrow at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow and Katterhenry will play Herron at 8:08 a.m.