CHEVY CHASE, Maryland — University of Iowa incoming freshman women’s golfer Paula Miranda reached the semifinals of the 72nd U.S. Junior Amateur Championship before falling to the top-ranked player in 20 holes on Friday at the par-70 Columbia Country Club.
Miranda, the No. 44 ranked amateur in the world, squared off against No. 1 Rose Zhang in the match-play semifinals on Friday. The event was streamed on Peacock TV.
Miranda led Zhang by two after nine holes. Zhang responded after the turn, winning three straight holes (11, 12 and 13) to lead by one. Miranda sank a birdie putt on 17 to even the match, which went to extra holes after both competitors sank par on the par-4 18th hole. Zhang advanced to the championship match after Miranda bogeyed the second playoff hole.
“We are all so proud of Paula this week! She showed such grit and stepped up and competed with the best players in the world. We are very excited for her upcoming Hawkeye career. Iowa Golf is looking forward to having such a great competitor to join our program! She represented her country and the Hawkeyes incredibly well this week.”
Iowa Head Coach Megan Menzel
Miranda advanced to match play after tying for 35th place (+8) after 36 holes of stroke play. Below is Miranda’s path to the semifinals:
2021 U.S. Girls’ Junior Amateur Match Play
Round of 64: 1-up over (21) Grace Kilcrease
Round of 32: 1-up over (53) Alice Hodge
Round of 16: 1-up over (28) Alexa Pano
Quarterfinals: 5-and-4 over (54) Kaitlyn Schroeder
Semifinals: lost to (1) Rose Zhang in 20 holes