Aug. 12, 2004

Erie, Pa. –
South Carolina women’s golfer Jenna Pearson saw her run at the 104th U.S. Amateur Championship come to an end in the round of 16 after she was eliminated by Beth Allen, who claimed a 1-up victory in match play at the Kahkwa Club in Erie, Pa., on Thursday.

Pearson spotted Allen the first two holes and was unable to take the lead at any point during the match. The Gamecock sophomore-to-be fell into a three-hole deficit after Allen birdied the 164-yard par-3 11th hole, but rallied to win the next three holes to bring the match all square after 14 holes. Both players bogeyed the crucial 196-yard par-3 15th to remain all square. A second consecutive bogey from Pearson on number 16 put her one hole behind and sealed her fate, as both players achieved par on the 17th and 18th holes, respectively.

Pearson carded a five-over 77 for the round.

Earlier in the day, Pearson won her second-round match by claiming a 5-and-3 victory over Spain’s Tania Elosegui.

Needing only 15 holes to seal her victory, Pearson shot an even-par 60 and put a cap on her round with birdies on the 14th and 15th holes. The five-up lead she held as competition ended was her largest of the day.