Redding wins Carolinas Women's Match Play in extra holes

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 26, 2018) – After a marathon final-round match, Anna Redding of Concord, N.C., emerged victorious after 22 holes and earned the title at the 21st Carolinas Women's Match Play. The win marked her second CGA title of the summer after she won the 92nd Carolinas Women's Amateur in June.

Redding, who will be a junior at Virginia, survived consecutive tight matches on Thursday en route to the title. In her morning semifinal match, she faced Jodee Tindal of Rock Hill, S.C. Tindal made a run in the middle of the match, but Redding eventually won the match, 1 up.

Jessica Spicer of Bahama, N.C., won her semifinal match against Kathleen Sumner of Charleston, S.C., 2 and 1, to set up a Virginia versus Virginia Tech afternoon final. Last week, Spicer and Redding competed together on the Carolinas team at the Virginias-Carolinas team matches, but were back to competing against each other in the final match.

Under beautiful sunny skies, the final match was a battle from the first tee. Both Redding and Spicer played steady rounds, and neither was able to gain an advantage on the other. Tied at all square headed into the final hole, Spicer sank a long putt to stay alive and force extra holes.

"The key was staying consistent," Redding said. "It was key to keep getting looks at birdies, even though most of them did not go in, but it was a great match."

Unable to gain advantage on each other, Redding and Spicer, who were paired together on the first day of stroke-play qualifying, battled through 22 holes until Redding emerged victorious on the 18th green.

"This is so exciting," Redding said. "Being the medalist in stroke play was awesome. Shooting 66 was my personal best, so after that, I was feeling really excited, and I love match play."