By Ron Rop
Local Sports Journal

Aya Johnson advanced to match play on Tuesday in the 96thWomen’s Amateur at Forest Akers Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University.

Aya Johnson

Johnson, from North Muskegon, shot a 79 in the first round and a 78 in the second round for a total of 157. She finished tied for 22nd. The top 32 players moved into match play.

Muskegon’s Morgan Smith and Hailey Hrynewich failed to advance to the match play portion of the tournament. Smith shot a 162 and Hrynewich had a 164.

Johnson will take on Julie Massa beginning at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday.

“I am playing very good golf,” said Johnson, who is commuting back and forth each day instead of staying in the Lansing area. “It could always be better, but that’s how the game works.”

The heat has taken a toll on the entire field and Johnson has been doing her best to keep cool.

“It’s been very hot in Lansing the past two days, but I stay hydrated and keep a cold towel around my neck and find shady spots so I stay out of the sun as much as I can.”

Now she’s focusing on the first round of match play.

“I’m usually pretty good at match play,” Johnson said. “So I’m excited to get a chance to compete again in match play (Wednesday).”