April 1, 2007
Tempe, Ariz. -
Led by a tournament-record low performance by freshman Anna Nordqvist, the second-ranked Arizona State women's golf team captured its third straight first-place victory at the 2007 PING/ASU Invitational. ASU recorded a three-round total of 851 (285-280-286), a tournament-record low, to finish 13-under par. The Sun Devils bested second place UCLA (873) by 22 strokes.
"To continue that level of play for three days is pretty tough," said ASU head coach Melissa Luellen. "At the beginning of the week I didn't think the winning score would be under par. We just kind of blew it out of the water. I am so thrilled. It was an impressive showing by every single one of the girls."
Nordqvist won her first tournament of the year after shooting a tournament-record three-round total of 206 (69-68-69) to finish 10-under par. The three-round total of 206 is also Nordqvist's career best. Nordqvist broke the record of 209 held by current LPGA golfers Lorena Ochoa, Arizona 2002, and Charlotte Mayorkas, UCLA 2003.
"She has had so many chances to win this year," said Luellen. "It has been really frustrating for her because she is used to winning. She has great respect for the collegiate players and the level of play here. She works her tail off. I am really proud her. She just wanted it so bad."
Nordqvist has finished or tied for second place in three tournaments this year.
Individually, sophomore All-American Jennifer Osborn shot a 2-over 75 for the third round. Osborn tied for fourth place and finished with a 5-under 211 (70-66-75) for the tournament. Fellow sophomore All-American Azahara Munoz shot a 1-under 71 in the third round to tally a three-round total of a 2-over 218 (74-73-71). Munoz tied for 15th. Freshman Juliana Murcia tied for 21st after shooting a three-round total of a 5-over 221 (72-73-76). Murcia shot a 4-over 76 in the third round.
Senior Lindsay Anderson tied her career low of a 1-under 71 in the third round to record a three-round total of a 6-over 222 (77-74-71). Anderson finished tied for 25th.
The Sun Devils also had three golfers playing as individuals. Junior Camila Sola tied for 39th after shooting a 10-over 226 (75-79-72). Junior Brooke Todare shot a 19-over 235 (80-78-77) to finish tied for 64th. Redshirt freshman Liisa Kelo shot a 21-over 237 (80-79-78) to finish tied for 71st.
We should be winning tournaments by ten shots," said Luellen. "This is the kind of golf that I really think they are capable of playing. We are a very solid team."
Next up, the Sun Devils travel to Seattle, Wash. to compete in the Pac-10 Championships, April 23-26.