Aldrich Ends Klasse's Run at MGA Women's Sr. Match Play, Faces Anderson for Title

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  FARIBAULT, Minn. – With the help of a late birdie Tuesday at Faribault Golf Club, Betsy Aldrich took a late lead and hung on to defeat Leigh Klasse, putting an end to a run of six consecutive wins at the Minnesota Golf Association Women’s Senior Amateur Match Play Championship.
 
After falling during the opening round of last year’s tournament, Aldrich advanced to finals for the first time Tuesday and will now face Lynn Anderson in the championship match Wednesday.
 
During her semifinal match, Aldrich took advantage of a bogey by Klasse on the opening hole before carding an eagle at the par-5 third to take a 2-up lead early. Klasse evened the match at the eighth following a double bogey by Aldrich at the sixth and a bogey at the seventh.
 
Winning the ninth hole, Aldrich regained a slim 1-up lead before rolling in birdie at the 15^th go up by two. Aldrich and Klasse would each card par on the final two holes as Aldrich closed out the match at the 17^th, 2 and 1.
 
Klasse fell to Brenda Williams in 2011 at The Jewel Golf Club before stringing together six straight victories at the event. Nancy Harris remains the all-time leader with nine wins at the championship dating back to 1992.
 
Anderson, who fell to Klasse, 4 and 3, in last year’s final at Bent Creek Golf Club, faced Williams during the semifinals Tuesday and trailed by two after 11 holes. Carding birdie at her 12^th hole and a bogey by Williams at their 13^th, Anderson drew even for the third time during the match.
 
Rolling in birdie at the 15^th, Anderson regained a 1-up lead but Williams drew even when Anderson carded bogey at the 17^th and the two needed extra holes. Anderson converted birdie on the first playoff hole to advance to the finals for the second time in as many seasons.
 
The 2018 MGA Women’s Senior Amateur Championship continues Wednesday with the final match scheduled to begin at 8:20 a.m. at Faribault Golf Club.