The University of Southern California women and Auburn University men claimed the 2018 East Lake Cup on Wednesday to conclude the three-day event. Second-seeded USC defeated top-seeded Stanford, 3-2, in the championship match for the women. Fourth-seeded Auburn took down third-seeded Alabama, 4-1, in the championship for the men.
The event, featuring eight of the nation’s top golf teams, was held at Atlanta’s East Lake Golf Club.
The win for USC marks their third East Lake Cup title (2015, 2017) in four years since the event’s inception, and the first under first-year head coach Justin Silverstein. The Trojans overcame losses in two of the first three matches to defeat Stanford in the championship for the second consecutive year, solidifying the win courtesy of a 2 and 1 victory from sophomore Alyaa Abdulghany and the clinching point from sophomore Gabi Ruffels.
In Auburn’s dominant win, in the first match out senior Trace Crowe overcame an early 2-down deficit to Alabama All-American Davis Riley to earn a 2 and 1 win. Senior Jacob Solomon (2 and 1) and Sophomore Brandon Mancheno (3 and 2) also earned points in their matches to secure the East Lake Cup title for the Tigers.
In individual play, Oklahoma State’s Viktor Hovland, the reigning U.S. amateur champion, claimed the men’s individual title. Stanford’s Albane Valenzuela secured the women’s stroke play championship. Hovland and Valenzuela each carded a four-under 68 on the day. Valenzuela drained an eagle on the 18th to notch her victory.
About the Author
