NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Defending champion Julia Potter and 2013 runner-up Margaret Shirley led their semifinal matches Wednesday in the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur when play was suspended because of rain.
Potter, a 26-year-old reinstated amateur from Granger, Indiana, who played at Missouri, had a three-hole lead over Tara Joy-Connelly of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, after 10 holes. The 28-year-old Shirley, a former Auburn player from Atlanta, had a 2-up lead over Meghan Stasi of Oakland Park, Florida, also after nine holes at Harbour Trees.
Last year in North Carolina, Potter beat Shirley in 19 holes to become the first female left-hander to win a USGA event.
In the morning quarterfinals, Potter beat Mina Hardin of La Quinta, California, 5 and 4; Shirley edged Debbie Adams of Asheville, North Carolina 2 up; Stasi topped Canada’s Christina Proteau in 19 holes; and Joy-Connelly beat Mexico’s Liisa Kelo Escartin 5 and 4.
Stasi won when the pregnant Proteau missed a short par putt.
“No. 10 isn’t the easiest hole and I wanted a par,” Stasi said. “She made it through 18 holes and she had the momentum the last few holes. She chipped well and putted well and for being six months pregnant that’s great.”
Proteau lost after overcoming a four-hole deficit.
“I knew it was going to be a challenge and I was tired,” Proteau said. “I was 4 down and I got to the 19th hole so I can’t be disappointed. I made a great shot on 18 and made the putt. It’s emotional at the end of the week, but it was great and I won’t forget this week.”
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