Addie Baggarly (Tim Casey, UAA Communications)
It’s one thing to keep a hometown title at home, but it’s completely another to break a record in doing it. That was Florida’s story Sunday at the Florida Gator Invitational. The team won the event for the fourth year in a row and with a team score of 2-under 838, the lowest in tournament history.
The Mark Bostick Golf Course in Gainesville, Fla., is only a par-70, but it’s tiny, ridged greens demand accuracy while the layout demands shot-shaping.
“You have to hit every shot on that golf course,” Florida junior
Sierra Brooks said earlier in the year
Head coach Emily Glaser was perhaps most impressed by her team's coping skills at home. Playing in your own backyard, and extending a streak, can cause unwanted pressure.
“I think I've learned about this group that playing at home is fun but it can be nerve-wracking when it only happens once a year,” she said. “You put a lot of pressure on yourself, you want to do well, this is your course. We talked a lot about embracing the opportunity and knowing you're going to be nervous but just embracing it and being grateful for the opportunity.”
Florida’s winning 2-under total was two shots lower than the team’s winning score a year ago. The Gators were consistent, posting identical even-par numbers in Rounds 1 and 2. They were 2 under on Sunday, which left them five shots ahead of Campbell and Miami.
Miami broke the record for lowest single-round team score in this event with a first-round 272. Clemson tied that record in the second round.
Ohio State player
Aneka Seumanutafa finished round two with a 64, the lowest individual single-round score in tournament history, topping the 66 that has been set by multiple players. Still, Seumanutafa was eighth on the leaderboard. Tennessee’s Michaela Williams put together rounds of 73-68-65 to win at 4 under.
Florida’s
Addie Baggarly, UCF’s
Elizabeth Moon and East Carolina’s
Dorthea Forbrigd tied for second at 3 under.
Florida, No. 8 in the
Golfweek/Sagarin College Rankings, has now won twice in seven outings this season, and has finished inside the top 4 six times.
Information from Florida Athletics used in this report
ABOUT THE Florida Gators Women's Invitational
54 hole women's college tournament hosted by the
University of Florida women's team. Team (best four
scores out of five players each day) and individual
competitions.
View Complete Tournament Information