Results
The Field vs. New Mexico – Brown, Clemson, Coastal Carolina, Columbia, East Tennessee State, Furman, Georgetown, Georgia Southern, James Madison, Kennesaw State, Missouri, North Carolina, Samford, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest, and Wofford.
GREENVILLE, S.C. – Battling an unforgiving wind for the second day in a row, the New Mexico Lobos pulled out a third place finish at Furman University’s 44th Lady Paladin Invitational. The Lobos had a combined team score of 883 over the three day event, 19 strokes over par.
“I think we had a really good tournament,” commented Lobo head coach Jill Trujillo. “A top three finish is really good for us and it’s a good start to our year.”
The University of Missouri ultimately earned the medal with a score of 871 (+7), eight strokes better than the hosting Paladins of Furman University (879). Clemson and Wake Forest sat tied for fourth place at the conclusion of the final round with matching scores of 885 (+21).
Whether it was the wind conditions or some other factor playing against the golfers this weekend, the par 72 Furman University Golf Course was certainly a challenge. Only one team in the field, Missouri, shot better than 10 strokes over par, with most teams finishing between 30 and 96-over par. One would not expect to see an 89 stroke discrepancy between the top ranked team in a tournament and the last.
“The weather was not really good,” said Alexandra Moisand. “I was able to work through it though. The pin positions were hard too so it was hard to make the par.”
While the conditions were not ideal, the Lobos maintained their composure and were able to move up two spots in the standings from round two.
Leading the Lobos on the individual side was junior, Eva Saulnier, with a card of 221 (+5). Saulnier ended the tournament tied for 10th place overall. Following close behind were fellow junior, Alexandra Moisand, and freshman, Sol Lee, with identical three-day scores of 222 (+6). Moisand and Sol finished tied for the 14th position.
“I feel really good because my goal was to finish in the top 20,” admitted Moisand. “I don’t feel like I played really well either, so it was not bad. I’m happy.”
Manon Molle’ and Ingrid Gutierrez both finished tied for 25th place overall, turning in score cards of 223 (+7). Alice Hewson of Clemson was the individual medalist of the event at three-under par with a score of 213.
“I think really good things are to come,” Trujillo smiled. “Once we can hone down the small mistakes we are making, I think there is going to be no stopping this team.”
Next month the Lobos will travel to Austin, TX for the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational on Oct. 19-20.
Lobos Finish 3rd at Lady Paladin Invitational
