Feb. 8, 2011
The University of New Mexico women’s golf team finished in seventh place at the Arizona Wildcat Invitational. The Lobos shot a final round 319 for a 54-hole total of 915 (51-over) at The Golf Course of Vistoso (par 72, 6,321 yards) in Tucson.
UNM began the final round in fifth place, but had trouble scoring on the greens according to head coach Jill Trujillo.
“I saw some good things during the tournament, however, putting was not one of them today. We made some good shots into the green on a very windy day, but we couldn’t get the putts to drop.”
The final round was played in sustained winds of 20 m.p.h., gusting to 30.
The Lobos did finish higher than three ranked teams in a field of 16: No. 23 Washington, No. 37 Oklahoma State and No. 48 San Diego State.
Host and 7th-ranked Arizona won its own tournament by 11 shots over No. 9 Cal. The Wildcats finished at 875 (11-over).
Freshman Sammi Stevens was UNM’s top finisher, tying for 17th at 10-over 226 (71-75-80). Her opening-round 71 is a career low as a Lobo.
Junior Rebecca Hellbom looked poised for a possible top-10 finish halfway through the final round. She was 1-under on her round after nine holes, but dropped eight strokes over a seven-hole span to finish in a tie for 20th at 11-over 227 (75-73-79).
Freshman Manon de Roey tied for 22nd at 12-over 228 (71-76-81). The 71 in the opening round tied a career low.
“Sammi got a top-20 finish and Manon is getting her game turned around,” said Trujillo, “so I like the way they are playing.”
Junior Sarah Salvo finished at 237 (76-79-82) to tie for 52nd while freshman Sofia Hoglund was 77th at 252 (89-84-79).
Arizona’s Isabelle Boineau grabbed the individual title with a 4-under 212.
The Lobos’ next competition is Feb. 28-March 2 at the Bruin Wave Invitational in Santa Clarita, Calif.