Sept. 15, 2004
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — New Mexico’s bid for a fourth consecutive Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational title came up short Wednesday afternoon as second-ranked Georgia claimed this year’s tournament with a 2-under 874 (287-299-288). The 10th-ranked Lobos made a charge down the stretch and trimmed the Georgia lead to three strokes with five holes remaining, but the Bulldogs held off UNM, who ended up with a 5-over 881 (292-296-293). New Mexico took second place, one stroke ahead of third place and 18th-ranked Pepperdine (293-299-290–882).
Individually, Kelly Froelich of Georgia shot a UNM Championship Course record for 54 holes with a 10-under 209 (68-73-68) to win medalist honors. Froelich tied the UNM Championship Course third-round record Wednesday with a 5-under 68. Oklahoma State’s Karin Sjodin took second with a 6-under 213 while Lobo senior Kailin Downs placed third with a 4-under 215. Downs, who shot a 2-under 71 in the final round, now has 13 top-five finishes for her career.
Three other Lobos finished in the top 20. Sophomore Ashley Rollins fired a 2-under 71 on Wednesday to move up 11 spots and place in a tie for 14th. Rollins finished the tournament with a 3-over 222 (75-76-71). Junior Christine Fernandez tied for 17th with a 4-over 223 (72-74-77) and senior Christina Spence tied for 20th with a 5-over 224 (76-74-74). Redshirt freshman Giselle Claux tied for 78th with a 20-over 239 (73-86-80).
Playing as an individual, freshman Alexandra Phelps shot a 17-over 236 (75-80-81) to tie for 65th.
The New Mexico women’s golf team returns to action for the NCAA Preview Sept. 20-22. The three-day event is held at the site of the 2005 NCAA Women’s Golf Championships, the Sunriver Resort in Sunriver, Ore.