Feb. 23, 2010
The 27th-ranked University of New Mexico women’s golf team had a very successful showing in its first competition of the 2010 spring season, finishing sixth in a talent-laden, 16-team field at the Arizona Wildcat Invitational.
Playing in cold and windy conditions at the Arizona National Golf Club (par 71, 6,146 yards) in Tucson, the Lobos shot a 16-over 300 in today’s final round. New Mexico’s 36-hole total of 601 (33-over) was better than six teams ranked higher than UNM entering the tournament.
UNM finished ahead of No. 2 Auburn, No. 6 Southern Cal, No. 8 Tennessee, No. 10 Pepperdine, No. 15 Denver and No. 22 Oklahoma State.
The tournament was shortened to two rounds after Monday’s second round was cancelled due to inclement weather.
No. 1-Arizona State won the team title at 576.
UNM senior Jodi Ewart, who shared medalist honors at this tournament last year, tied for fourth at 2-over 144 (72-72). She was 2-under on her round through 16 holes, but suffered a double bogey on 17 and a bogey on 18 to finish with a 72.
Oklahoma State’s Caroline Hedwall shot a 5-under 66 today to claim the individual title at 136.
Freshman Bethany Buchner tied for 40th at 154 (76-78). Senior Britney Choy had a 77 and tie for 48th at 155. Sophomore Sarah Salvo (85-73) and Rebecca Hellbom (75-83) finished in a tie for 57th at 16-over 158.
The Lobos have just six days off before playing in the Bruin Wave Invitational next Monday in Santa Clarita, Calif.