McCurdy reaches semifinals at US Amateur

FAYETTEVILLE — University of Arkansas junior Amanda McCurdy advanced to the semifinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship Friday at The Kahkwa Club in Erie, Pa. The El Dorado, Ark., native blasted out of the gates in the stroke play competition up by six going to the 11th hole but struggled down the back stretch. McCurdy pulled it out in the end winning by three with two holes remaining defeating Sun-Young Yoo, of Korea. "I just really wanted to get on top early and I knew this girl I was playing (Woo) was a very good player and I needed to get on top because I didn’t want to be behind," said McCurdy after her round. "I just kind of stayed steady and ended up birding three and was two-up through three so I played well and played steady, hit the fairways and hit the greens, and that’s what you have to do out here." McCurdy continues play Saturday facing 18-year-old Paula Creamer of Pleasanton, Calif., Creamer is the No. 1 junior and is competing in her third U.S. Amateur. "I just want to play the way I’ve played all week,," said McCurdy about Creamer. "I mean, she’s a good player but I’m a good player too. I don’t have the credentials and the success she has but I’m here so what else can you do? I’m just going to enjoy it and be happy that I’m here and enjoy every minute of it."