Wilmington Star News: Ewart and New Mexico have been perfect match
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May 20, 2010
Wilmington, N.C. – The elements were ripe for low scores and the Lobos did a pretty good job of taking advantage of the conditions during the third round of the NCAA Women’s Golf Championships. UNM shot a 7-over 295 at the Country Club of Landfall Dye Course (par 72, 6,368 yards), ending the day in 16th place with a 54-hole total of 894 (303-296-295). New Mexico began today’s round in a tie for 15th.
UNM is looking for its first top-14 finish at the Championships since 1998. UNM tied for 8th at University Ridge in Wisconsin 12 years ago.
The Lobos enter Friday’s final round just four shots out of 12th place held by South Carolina. It’s tight in the middle of the pack as the seven teams between 12th and 18th place are separated by just five shots.
New Mexico will be paired with Texas and Mountain West Conference member TCU on Friday. The Longhorns and Lady Frogs are one shot behind UNM at 895.
Purdue took over the lead in the 24-team field with a blistering round of 8 under 280 and a total of 858. The Boilermakers have a seven-stroke advantage over Southern Cal, which led at the end of the first two rounds.
Playing under a Carolina blue sky and accompanied by light breezes and soft greens provided from heavy rain the day before, UNM accomplished a feat it had not done all season: All five Lobos shot 75 or better in this, the team’s 32nd competitive round of 2009-10.
Senior Jodi Ewart had an even par 72, sophomore Rebecca Hellbom a 73, while freshman Bethany Buchner, senior Britney Choy and sophomore Sarah Salvo all came in at 3 over 75.
While content with her team’s performance, head coach Jill Trujillo knows it could have been better.
“Like I said before the tournament began, it’s a putting contest,” said Trujillo, “and that’s what is getting us. It’s not the shots off the tee, not chipping. It’s the three-putts. There were a lot of birdies out there today, but the greens were a little tricky because of all the rain.”
UNM looked like it could go real low today as it made the turn in 2 over. Ewart and Hellbom both turned at 1 under. However, the back nine was not as giving as the Lobos were staring at double digits over par coming to the final hole.
Unlike Wednesday’s second round, though, when they dropped six shots over the final four holes, including three strokes on 18 alone, the Lobos closed with a vengeance this afternoon.
Hellbom had an eagle try from the fringe before settling for a tap-in 4. Salvo followed by making birdie from inside two feet. Choy hit a wonderful third shot within four feet of the flag, but watched her birdie attempt slide below the cup. Ewart capped the rally by landing her second shot 18 feet below the pin. Her attempt for eagle came up a foot short, but the near gimme putt provided New Mexico with an uplifting birdie on the closing hole.
Ewart shot even par 72 to remain level at 216 (73-71-72) for the tournament. She enters the final round threatening the UNM record for low 72 at the NCAA Championships. Ryley Webb finished at 287 (68-70-77-72) in 1998.
Ewart also will attempt to become just the sixth Lobo to place in the top 10 at the national championships. Webb was the last to do so, finishing in a tie for sixth in 1998. Ewart starts her 127th career round at UNM in a five-way tie for 10th.
“It was hard to let go of yesterday’s round because I felt like I lost touch with the leaders,” explained Ewart of her second round troubles down the stretch. “This is my last college tournament, so I just need to go out there and have fun. Even though I am way behind (the leaders), I have to play as well as I can for the team. You have to forget what happened the previous day.”
Arizona State freshman Jennifer Johnson shot 70 today to maintain a one-shot lead. Her total of 207 (67-70-70) is one stroke ahead of Oklahoma State’s Caroline Hedwall.
Choy scrambled for a 75, surviving four 3-putts for the second straight day. She is tied for 49th at 224 (74-75-75).
Salvo continues to play her best golf as a Lobo, finishing with a 75. Her 54-hole total is 227 (78-74-75), tying for 74th. Salvo’s only real downfall today was the par 3 2nd. She found the water off the tee, and then needed three putts for a triple bogey 6. Salvo played even the rest of the day.
Hellbom improved her score for the third straight day, shooting a 73. She is at 229 (80-76-73) and in a tie for 90th place.
“My shots to the green were a lot closer and in better position,” said Hellbom. “I still missed a lot of putts. I could have been 4 under easily. I feel a little more rested than I did in the first round, a little more energy.”
Freshman Bethany Buchner is at 230 (78-77-75) and tied for 96th.
The Lobos begin the final round of the 2009-10 season at 6 a.m. MDT off the No. 1 tee. Fans can again watch live streaming from the closing three holes at NCAA.com.