Murray State University Athletics
Former Racer Grace wins Kentucky State Amateur
7/2/2007 5:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Jessica Grace (Widman) led the charge for Murray State Golf at the recently concluded Kentucky State Women's Amateur Championship played at the Racers home course, Miller Memorial, June 25-29.
Grace played at a high level, from the best of the field 72 that she carded in the 18-hole qualifying round to the 19-hole victory over Morgan Cross in the championship match.
Grace, who became the first female golfer to be inducted into the Murray State Athletics Hall of Fame last winter, showed that she still has a love for the game and the talent to win.
Her win was the highlight of a great week for 11 women who are former players at MSU or current ones, plus the program's head coach
Six players with MSU ties played well enough in the 18 holes of stroke play to qualify for the championship bracket, including Milkman who took a break from the many duties of coaching to show she still has game. She shot a 77 in qualifying but then fell to Joan Rizer 2-up in the first round. She defeated one of her current players, Sarah Seay before falling to another, Megan McKinney in the consolation bracket.
Current Racer Bethany Yates also showed that the MSU junior to be is ready to become a leader on the squad after she won her opening match before dropping down into the consolation bracket where she won twice before bowing to teammate
Ashley Yates, who is also a junior in the fall, showed that her game is coming along after recovering from surgery. She won her first match in the first flight before losing to teammate Hutching.
Along with Jessica Grace, several other former MSU players were successful in the event including recent seniors Christ Baron, who won twice in the first flight and Laruen Hughes who shot a 74 during qualifying and won a match in the championship flight before bowing out.
Stephanie B. Watts (Baskey) a former Racer qualified for the championship flight and Tina Marshall also participated in the event.
