Wildcats Narrowly Drop Copper Cup Event
MARICOPA, Ariz. – The inaugural Copper Cup proved to be a back-and-forth battle as Arizona and Arizona State went shot for shot in the match play event before the Sun Devils narrowly secured the event title by a score of 12.5 points to 11.5.
"Our team battled until the very end today," said head coach Jim Anderson. "This format lends itself to some emotional swings, and I thought we handled the moment well. Our team competed and pushed our opponent to the end but finished just short. We are definitely disappointed with this result, but we know we can learn. We have a great team, and we believe we will continue to be tough to beat this season."
Arizona entered the second day of action with a one-point lead after winning four of eight head-to-head points with one tie. The Wildcats made the turn on Monday on pace to split the day's eight singles match-ups. Sophomores Chaz Aurilia and Chase Sienkiewicz won their singles points for a second consecutive day as senior Brad Reeves earned the third and final point of the afternoon for the visitors from Tucson.
Senior Briggs Duce was the day's top player on par 4's courtesy of his eagle on the 14th hole as he finished Monday three strokes under par on par 4 holes.
The Wildcats split their four-ball pairings with the Sun Devils for a second consecutive day. Arizona picked up doubles match play wins from the duos of Sienkiewicz and Sam Sommerhauser as well as Reeves and Christian Banke.
Arizona is scheduled to return to action in one week when it hosts the Arizona Intercollegiate beginning on Monday, Jan. 25 at the Cats' home course of Sewailo Golf Club.