March 22, 2011
The University of New Mexico women’s golf team finished in 16th place at the Battle at Rancho Bernardo. Playing at the demanding Rancho Bernardo Inn Golf Resort (par 72, 6,336 yards) in San Diego, the Lobos completed the 54-hole event with a score of 940 (312-317-311 / +76).
The 17-team field featured 16 teams ranked in the top-50 of the most recent GolfStat poll, including six of the nation’s top 10 schools. At No. 51, UNM was the lowest-ranked team in the field.
No. 7 Purdue (879) took home the team trophy followed by No. 3 UCLA (886) and top-ranked Southern Cal (887).
Freshman Sammi Stevens was the Lobos’ top finisher, placing in a tie for 44th. She shot 78 today for a total of 231 (72-81-78 / +15).
Sophomore Beth Buchner posted UNM’s low round of the day, a 75, to finish in a tie for 62nd at 237 (83-79-75 / +21). Buchner was 5-over on the round after making bogey at No. 10, but came through with consecutive birdies at 13 and 14.
Freshman Manon de Roey tied for 65th at 238 (80-77-81 / +22). She was 2-over at the turn, but shot a 43 on the back.
Junior Sarah Salvo tied for 71st at 241 (77-80-84 / +25) while junior Rebecca Hellbom tied for 75th at 242 (84-81-77 / +26).
Purdue’s Laura Gonzalez shot a 68 today to easily win the individual title at 209 (7-under). Only one other golfer in the 96-player field – Therese Koelbaek from UNLV at 1-under 215 – finished under par for the tournament.
The Lobos’ next action is April 1-3 at the PING/Arizona State Invitational.