OSSINING, N.Y. (July 11, 2013) – 39 players competed Thursday at Hudson Hills Golf Course in Ossining, N.Y. for the 16^th WMGA/MGA Public Links Championship. Overcast skies and the demanding Hudson Hills layout provided plenty of challenge, with only one player breaking 80.

Neshanic Valley's Alex Hershberger was the exception. The rising University of Virginia sophomore played superb golf start to finish, controlling the grounds of the 5,462 yard par-71 course and posting an impressive 2-over round of 73. “The key today was playing smart…With a golf course that is this hilly and with a number of blind shots, you just had to keep your head straight and play smart,” she said. Hershberger had her mother on the bag and pointed to her caddie as one of the keys to her success. “I’d never been out here and it was tough playing the blind shots, so as long as you came up with a game plan, which we did, I think we were okay.”

Mayouko Abe of Marine Park and Anna Ausanio of Beekman Country Club tied for second with rounds of 81. Oh Soon Chun of Fairway Women of Bethpage and Christine Kim of Pinch Brook rounded out the top-five, shooting scores of 83 and 84, respectively.

In addition, Nancy Vasile of Paramus Golf & Country Club took home low net honors. The WMGA/MGA Public Links Championship  is open all players who play out of a public MGA course and do not have the privilege of playing at a club that excludes play to the public.