ENNISKERRY, Ireland — Georgia’s Bailey Tardy notched a decisive 4-and-3 win over Charlotte Thomas on the final day of the 2016 Curtis Cup on Sunday; however, the United States eventually suffered an 11.5-8.5 defeat to the Great Britain and Ireland.
 
 
Tardy finished the three-day match play competition with a 3-2 record for the U.S. and played 3-under golf, including conceded putts, during competition at Langhaoire Golf Club.
 
 
On Sunday, Tardy stormed to a 3-up lead winning the first three holes with a par followed by consecutive birdies. Thomas, who helped Washington capture the NCAA Championship last month, never got closer than 2-up the rest of the day.
 
 
Thomas won No. 5 with a birdie, but Tardy captured No. 7 and No. 8 to build a 4-up edge at the midway point. Back-to-back birdies by Thomas at No. 12 and No. 13 pulled her within 2-up, but she bogeyed No. 14 and No. 15 to give those strokes back and end the match.
 
 
After splitting Friday’s six matches, the GB&I won five of six matchups on Saturday to garner an 8-4 lead. The Americans went 4-3-1 in Sunday’s singles matches. Great Britain and Ireland secured possession of the Curtis Cup for just the eighth time in 39 editions of the event. The overall record currently stands at 28-8-3 in favor of the U.S.
 
 
Tardy, who earned first-team All-America and SEC Freshman of the Year accolades during the 2015-16 season, will now enjoy a well-earned break from competition. She will return to action at the U.S. Women’s Open on July 4-10 at CordeValle Resort in San Martin, Calif.
 
 
Tardy is one of two current Bulldogs who have earned spots in the U.S. Open field. Both Tardy and Rinko Mitsunaga did so by winning sectional qualifying tournaments in May.