Lobos Finish Eighth of 16 at Arizona Wildcat Invitational

TUCSON, Ariz. — The University of New Mexico women’s golf team improved a spot in the final round of the Arizona Wildcat Invitational on Tuesday, finishing eighth in a competitive field of 16.

“We held our own today and got the scores we needed to move up and have a decent finish in a very strong field,” head coach Jill Trujillo said. “The wind started to pick up on our last nine holes and we always say: ‘when the wind blows, advantage Lobos.’

“That’s exactly what they did and I’m proud of how they toughed it out on a pretty difficult day.”

The Lobos were led for the fourth straight tournament by sophomore Napat “Jenny” Lertsadwattana. Lertsadwattana tied for 21st overall with a three-round total of 219 (+3). She registered her lowest round of the tournament in round three, a one-under 71, while tying for 12th in pars with 34. She also posted nine birdies.

Senior Caroline Jansson tied her second-round score of 73 in the final round for a total of 223 (+7), tying for 32nd overall.

Freshman Myah McDonald finished just behind the senior with a final score of 225 (+9) followed by sophomore Lauren Lehigh with a 227 (+11). Lehigh carded a team-best 71 in round one but suffered an 82 in round two before cutting off eight strokes for a 74 in round three.

Junior Kamie Hamada rounded out the Lobo lineup with a final score of 237 (+21).

The Lobos finished in the top-10 in par-3, par-4 and par-5 scoring while finishing third overall in most pars with 165. UNM also collected 36 birdies.

Texas took the individual title as two members of its lineup took the first and second spots. The team finished -28 on the competition (836). It was followed by No. 7 Oklahoma State (861, -3) and No. 3 USC (862, -2).

New Mexico will return to action on March 26-28 at the PING/ASU Invitational hosted by Arizona State in Tempe, Ariz.