The Oregon women’s golf team ventured into uncharted territory on Monday.
Led by sophomore Erin Andrews’ individual title, the Ducks were crowned champions of the Lady Vandal Fall Invitational in Moscow, Idaho. It was Oregon’s first team title since 2000.
No current Oregon golfers were on the team, which won the Lady Aztec Invitational.
“It’s one thing to be in a position to win, and it’s another thing entirely to close it out,” Oregon head coach Shannon Rouillard said. “No one on this team had been in that position before, so I’m really proud of the way they pulled through.”
Oregon carded a final round 309, putting its three-round total at 918 — 10 strokes ahead of second place Cal State Northridge.
Andrews led the way for the Ducks, as a final round even-par 72 put her at 3-over for the tournament. Andrews finished seven strokes ahead of the Matadors’ Emma Wahlgren and captured Oregon’s first individual title since 2001.
“She was in complete control all week long,” Rouillard said. “Her composure this week was tremendous. That’s the most consistent I’ve ever seen her play.”
Sophomore Therese Wenslow shot three consecutive rounds of 78 to put her in a tie for 15th at 234. Junior Jess Carlyon finished tied for 22nd at 236, while freshman Kimberly McCready tied for 24th with a 237. Junior Johnna Nealy capped the Ducks’ five with a 238.
Sophomore Michelle Timpani finished in a tie for 42nd with a 242 while competing as an individual. Other golfers competing as individuals included junior Jaime Seefried, who finished tied for 67th at 253, and senior Katie Cunningham, who tied for 83rd at 262.
Next up for the Ducks is the Edean Ihlanfeldt Invitational on Oct. 6 in Sammamish, Wash.
Men stand in eighth place
The Oregon men’s golf team stands in eighth place after two rounds at the Opus Northwest Husky Invitational in Bremerton, Wash.
Senior Jimmy White, who set a school record with a round of 63 on Friday, carded consecutive rounds of 73 and stands in a tie for 10th at 2-over. White had two birdies and three bogeys in each round and is six strokes behind tournament leader Brock Mackenzie of Washington.
Sophomore Dustin Pewarchuk stands tied for 20th at 5-over 149. Sophomore Justin St. Clair is tied for 34th at 153, senior Mike Sica is tied for 42nd at 154 and freshmen Gregg LaVoie and Eric Hastings are tied for 48th at 156.
Despite being in eighth place after two rounds, the Ducks are only nine strokes behind third place Brigham Young. Oregon’s two-round total of 753 is 22 strokes behind tournament leader Washington. Oregon State stands in second at 740.
The Husky Invitational will conclude with today’s single round. The 54-hole tournament requires six golfers to compete for each team, taking the best five scores into consideration. Most tournaments require only five players to compete, counting the top four scores.
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