Kupcho (-10) Crushes Competition in NCAA Athens Regional

By Wake Forest Athletic Communications

ATHENS, Ga. – Wake Forest sophomore Jennifer Kupcho completed a dominant performance at the NCAA Athens Regional, posting a final round 68 Wednesday to win the tournament at 10-under par. The victory advances her to the NCAA Championship, held later this month in Sugar Grove, Ill.

Kupcho posted a five-stroke win over Alabama’s Cheyenne Knight and Lauren Stephenson, who both shot 5-under par for the tournament to share runner-up honors.

The victory was the third of the year for Westminster, Colo. native, who became the first Deac to post three wins in a season since Stephanie Neill in 1994-95. She is the first player in program history to win the individual title at a NCAA Regional while her 10-under par total is tied for the second-best 54-hole score in school history. Kupcho’s final round 68 extended her school-record streak to 12 consecutive rounds under par.

“I was just hitting the ball well and my putter was on fire all week,” said Kupcho. “I had a lot of confidence on the course and that allowed me to play well. I am excited to represent the school at the NCAA Championships.”

Kupcho advanced as an individual to the NCAA Championships for the second consecutive season. Last year she capped her freshman season with a sixth place finish at NCAAs, becoming the first Demon Deacon to finish the event under par.

“Jennifer played incredibly well,” said head coach Dianne Dailey. “She just overpowered the golf course and the field. It is wonderful to see her at ease and shoot every round under par. She is a terrific player who came here wanting to win and she did. I am proud of the work she has put in to get to this level. This will give her a lot of confidence to know that she can play with anyone in the country. I wouldn’t be surprised if she won the whole thing.”

As a team, the Demon Deacons shot 21-over during the final round to finish in 15th place at 55-over. The top six teams at the regional advanced to the NCAA Championships. The top three individuals from teams not advancing, headlined by Kupcho, qualified for NCAAs as individuals.

The NCAA Championships will take place May 19-22 at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Ill. Final round coverage on May 22 will air on Golf Channel.