USC captured the women’s title in the East Lake Cup for the third time in four years by turning back Pacific 12 Conference rival Stanford, 3-2, at East Lake Golf Club https://www.eastlakegolfclub.com/ in Atlanta.
The top-ranked Trojans claimed their third title this season.
“It’s been really good so far,” said Coach Justin Silverstein, who is in his first season at the helm for USC. “We have a lot of depth and a good group. All of our wins are team wins and everyone plays their part. As a staff, that’s what we want to see.
“ … Winning an event like this is even more special when the entire lineup contributes. As was the case with our win at Stanford, we got production from 1-to-5 in our lineup.”
Gabriela Ruffels, a sophomore from Australia who has been playing competitive golf for only four years after giving up tennis, gave the Trojans their winning point with a 2-and-1 victory over Stanford All-American Andrea Lee.
Lee held a 2-up lead after eight holes before Ruffels rallied by winning the 11th and 13th holes, then took the lead with a chip-in at No. 16 and wrapped things up on the penultimate hole.
“I knew on 16 before my chip it was going to come down to my match,” Ruffels said. “I really wanted it for my team and I’m happy we were able to get it done. It was exciting coming down the last few holes.”
Freshman Malia Nam gave USC its first point by beating Ziyi Wang, 3 and 1, and sophomore Alyaa Abdulghany never trailed in a 2-and-1 victory over Aline Krauter.
Stanford took the early lead when Albane Valenzuela, who claimed the individual title two days earlier, defeated Jennifer Chang in the opening match, 6 and 4, and the Trojans gained their other point when Mika Liu downed Amelia Garvey, 4 and 3.
Reining NCAA champion Arizona won the women’s consolation match, also by 3-2, over Alabama.
In the men’s final, Auburn downed arch-rival Alabama, 4-1.
For the victorious Tigers, Trace Crowe beat Davis Riley and Jacob Solomon defeated Davis Shore, both by scores of 2-1, while Brandon Mancheno downed Prescott Butler, 3 and 2, and Wells Padgett took down Frankie Capan, 4 and 3.
Wilson Furr gave Alabama its only point with a 2-and-1 victory over Jovan Rebula.
Duke beat top-ranked Oklahoma State, 3-2, in the men’s consolation match.
For complete results, visit http://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=match&tid=17412
