Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan University
Motor City Matchup
Chippewas Second at Motor City Matchup
10/15/2024 5:43:00 PM | Women's Golf
BIRMINGHAM, Mich. – Central Michigan fell to Oakland on Tuesday in the championship match of the inaugural Motor City Matchup at Birmingham Country Club.
The Golden Grizzlies won six matches while the Chippewas captured five. One match ended all-square for a final margin of 6.5-5.5.
The two-day tournament featured a unique co-ed match play format.
"I thought the event went really well," said CMU women's coach Ryan Williams, who, along with men's coach Kevin Jennings, launched the tournament this season. "I think the format turned out to be really exciting and fun. It's awesome to get mens and womens college players on the course at the same time and in the same groups competing together. It was really special and I think it was a lot of fun."
The Chippewas' Alexis Murray, Keith Hunter, Rachel Niskanen, Jeff Andrus and Hailey Katona won their respective matches in Tuesday's championship match. CMU's Orlando Coons finished his in a tie.
CMU's Jeff Sager, Lauren Davis, Nicholas Kilgore, Brooke Morris, Ella Zanatta and Easton Phillips dropped their respective matches.
"When the championship match is as exciting as it was I think it is proof that it was a good event, exciting and entertaining," Williams said. "A lot of kids got opportunities to hit shots under pressure that you don't necessarily get when you're playing a 54-hole stroke-play tournament.
"I think it'll be a really good experience for them to draw upon later on in the season as they play meaningful tournament golf later on in the year."
Though it marked the first Motor City Matchup, it was not the first time that CMU has hosted a tournament at Birmingham Country Club. The Chippewa women have for years hosted a tournament at the storied site in suburban Detroit.
"Birmingham Country Club is an amazing golf course, such an amazing facility," he said, extending a special thanks to hosts Rocky and Traci Ricelli. "It's a special place to be able to play a tournament and we're extremely lucky to be able to host a tournament here every year. Rocky and Traci help put on a really great event, they help support us in putting together all the details and that makes a huge impact on everyone's experience."
Players Mentioned
