Collegians Beckler, Spencer still stand at Kansas Match Play

MAYETTA, Kan. (July 20, 2018) – After a day of tight matches in the Round of 16, quarterfinal matches are set at the 108th Kansas Amateur Match Play Championship at Firekeeper Golf Course.

Saturday’s first quarterfinal will pit former Washburn golfer Justice Valdivia against Evan Shartzer, the No 24 seed. In his Round-of-16 match, Valdivia built a quick 4-up lead on Jared Burns thanks to four birdies on the front, but saw it slip away when he began making bogeys on the back. Another birdie at No. 15 helped and Valdivia was able to slide past Burns, 1 up. Shartzer had a similar close call, also defeating Brian Fehr on the final hole.

The second match of Saturday morning includes Wichita State golfer Zac Owens against Lawrence mid-am and former University of Kansas golfer Conrad Roberts. Interestingly, both players were also taken all the way to No. 18 on Saturday, but managed to advance, 1 up.

On the lower bracket, University of Kansas standout Andy Spencer will face Washburn golfer Andrew Beckler, who now plays for Kansas State. Beckler had perhaps he easiest road to the quarters after dusting Logan Durst, 4 and 2.

In the last quarterfinal match, Garden City's high school golfer Sion Audrain will play against Emporia's Colton Massey. Massey went 20 holes on Saturday against Jack Lee until Lee eventually made bogey to give Massey the ticket forward.

The four players who advance Saturday morning will play the semifinals in the afternoon. A 36-hole final will decide the champion on Sunday.