Mercyhurst’s Chris Kupniewski claimed the 2106 Match Play Championship on Sunday by way of a 2up win over Kahkwa’s Mike Garcia. It marks the third Match Play title in as many years for Kupniewski who started his streak in 2014 when he defeated Garcia at Lawrence Park Golf Club. After going down one on the opening hole, Kupniewski’s steady play coupled with a few missed opportunities for Garcia allowed the match to be squared through 13. Kupniewski would take his first lead of the day on 16 when Garcia’s second shot on the par five was pulled out of bounds allowing Chris to take the hole with a par. It looked like Garcia would square the match on 17 when a Kupniewski lag putt came up will short above the hole but a clutch 10 footer would all but seal the match. The Kupniewski contingent held its collective breath when the Laker Senior-to-be nearly failed to clear the ravine on 18. His drive would land tenuously, but safely on the front edge of the green forcing Garcia to need birdie to tie. Garcia’s drive would miss left and an aggressive chip at the hole did not find safe harbor in the cup allowing Kup to safely 2 putt for the 2 up victory.

The men return to action Monday July 11th with the 36-hole Mid-Amateur Championship, hosted by Culbertson Hills Golf Club.