A fast finish lifted the professionals to victory Tuesday in the 44th annual Gov. John A. Burns Challenge Cup at Mid-Pacific Country Club.

The amateurs, who won eight straight Cups before last year, trailed 7-5 after Monday’s Four-Ball and Foursomes (alternate shot) team matches. In Tuesday’s 12 singles matches, they started with four wins and a halve — thanks to amateur Dalen Yamauchi’s 2 1/2-foot birdie putt at the 18th green — to finish to pull ahead 9 1/2-8 1/2.

Todd Rego was the only pro to win early. Brandan Kop, the amateurs’ oldest player, got their only win late. Pros Corey Kozuma, Hunter Larson, Ryan Acosta, Jason Jakovac and Jared Sawada all held on for victories in matches that went at least 17 holes.

The pros’ 13.5-10.5 victory extends their series lead to 25-18-1. The 12 amateurs play again Monday for the amateur exemption into the 2017 Sony Open in Hawaii. They tee off at 9 a.m. at Waialae Country Club.

Track and field signs one for 2017-18

University of Hawaii track and field coach Carmyn James announced on Tuesday that Kristen LaCosse has signed to join the Rainbow Wahine for the 2017-18 season. LaCosse is the lone signee for the Rainbow Wahine.

LaCosse, a native of Crown Point, Ind., and Crown Point High School, is expected to compete as a hurdler (100m and 400m), as well as in the long jump.

Last season, LaCosse finished second in the Indiana State Championships in the 100m hurdles, and third in the 300m hurdles. She also performed well at the USA Track & Field competition, finishing third in the Region 7 Championship in the 100m hurdles, and second in the 400m hurdles. In the long jump, she finished second at states in 2014 and third in 2015.

She also is an accomplished indoor performer, collecting five gold medals in the 60m hurdles last season.