Nov. 2, 2011
The University of New Mexico women’s golf team moved up three spots to finish in eighth place at the 38th Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational in Austin, Texas. UNM shot a 16-over 304 today for a final total of 906 (299-303-304) at the University of Texas Golf Club (par 72, 6,344 yards).
Host and 20th-ranked Texas (880) claimed the team title by a 12 shots over Florida, Pepperdine and Tulsa (892).
Playing in warm and gusty conditions, the Lobos flirted with a top-five finish before falling back. New Mexico’s five golfers were a combined 12 over par on their last five holes.
“It was much better today considering the strong winds, but we have to finish stronger,” said UNM head coach Jill Trujillo. “We keep giving it away at the end. This team is so much better than the scores they have posted.”
The Lobos have completed their fall season. They begin spring competition Feb. 6, 2012, at the Arizona Invitational in Tucson.
Senior Rebecca Hellbom led the Lobos by finishing in 19th place at 9-over 225 (70-76-79). It could have been a lot better. Hellbom was just 1 over after the first 13 holes, but she dropped six strokes over the final five holes to finish with a 79. She started the final round in a tie for 11th.
Texas’ Nicole Vandermade shot a 69 to win the individual title at 2-under 214.
Sophomore Sofia Hoglund finished at 226 (74-75-77), tying for 22nd.
Playing as an individual, sophomore Manon De Roey had a solid showing by placing in a tie for 27th at 227 (74-75-78).
Sophomore Sammi Stevens tied for 44th at 231 (78-76-77), but bogeyed three of her last six holes.
After struggling in her first two rounds, junior Beth Buchner shot 1-under 71 to tie for the third-best round of the day. Today’s average score among the 81-player field was 77.93. Buchner tied for 48th at 232 (81-80-71) after starting the day in a tie for 72nd.
Senior Sarah Salvo also tied for 48th at 232 (77-76-79).