FARMINGTON, Utah — BYU golfer Whitney Banz advanced to the quarterfinals of the 120th Utah Women’s State Amateur Championship on Tuesday at Oakridge Country Club.
“Match play is so fun because anything can happen,” Banz said.
Banz faced teammate Berlin Long in the Round of 32 and earned a 6-and-4 victory. After winning Nos. 2, 5 and 9 to take a 3-up lead through nine holes, Banz took Nos. 11, 13 and 14 to close out the match.
In the Round of 16, Banz and Utah Tech’s Gabrielle Roznicki traded holes on Nos. 2 and 3. Banz then won four out of the next six holes to take a 2-up lead after the front nine. Wins on Nos. 10, 12 and 13 secured a 5-and-4 victory to finish an undefeated day.
“I’m grateful to have played against two incredible players and people, including Berlin, who is an amazing match-play player, and to have come out on the winning end,” Banz said. “I am excited for tomorrow to continue to give it my best and see what happens.”
Aadyn Long advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating former teammate Sunbin Seo 1 up, but a 2-and-1 loss ended her tournament run.
After a 2-and-1 victory over stroke-play medalist Braylyn Bayer, Ava Schroeder’s tournament run came to an end with a 5-and-3 loss to Grace Summerhays.
Sophomore Nya Palmer won her opening match 2 and 1, with four of her hole victories coming on the front nine, but she fell 4 and 3 in the Round of 16.
The championship continues Wednesday with the quarterfinals and semifinals. Banz will face New Mexico State golfer Rylee Salome in the quarterfinals at 7:40 a.m. MDT.
Live scoring is available at golfgenius.com.
