KEARNEY (July 22, 2020) – Omahas Katie Ruge defeated Snyders Hannah Hunke in the Final of the 97th Nebraska Women’s Match Play Championship on Wednesday at Kearney Country Club, becoming the second youngest champion.
Ruge is just 16-years-old and will be a junior at Millard North high school in the fall. Lincolns Kate Strickland was the youngest, at 15-years-old when she won in 2019. Ruge is also the fifth junior golfer to win the title, joining Strickland, Wahoos Hannah Thiele (2015), Lincolns Anna Christenson (2007) and Omahas Theresa Wanek (1975).
Ruge started the Final with a birdie to take a 1 up lead, and never trailed, winning 4 and 3 over Hunke. A couple holes later, Hunke tied the match with a par on No. 3, but Ruge won No. 4 to regain her lead. Ruge then won No. 5 with a birdie to go 2 up, and she never relinquished the lead.
It looked like Hunke might get one back on No. 9, as she had a birdie putt and Ruge was short of the green and a long way from the hole. However, Ruge hit a great pitch shot that nearly went in, stopping just inches short of the hole. Hunke two-putted and they made the turn with Ruge 2 up.
Hunke then won the par-3 10th hole with a par, but thats when Ruge made her run to close out the match. She won No. 11 with a par, when Hunke missed the green long and left. Hunke nearly holed her flop shot, but missed her par putt. Ruge hit another close approach on No. 13 and sank the putt for birdie to go 3 up. Hunke found the penalty area on No. 15, and Ruge sealed the win.
In the Founders Bracket Final, North Plattes Karsen Morrison won 3 and 2 over Beemers Lacie Fox. In the 1st Flight Bracket of the Non-Championship Division, Kearneys Sally Bryson won 1 up against Grand Islands Chris Seberger. In the 2nd Flight Bracket, Kearneys Sandy Janssen won in 19 holes against Lincolns Kelly Nelson.
