Women’s Golf Places Second; Freman Wins Scorecard Playoff For Individual Trophy At Cowgirl Classic

Posted: Apr 08, 2014

MARICOPA, Ariz. – Freshman Annie Freman shot a career-best final round and made up five strokes to finish in a three-way tie for first and was awarded medalist honors on a scorecard playoff leading the Santa Clara women's golf team to a second place finish at the 20-team Wyoming Cowgirl Classic, completed today at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club in Maricopa, Ariz.

Freman's 3-under 69 on the final 18 holes included an eagle-3 on the par-5 third hole and four straight birdies on the ninth through 12th holes to lead the Broncos to a final round team score of 296. The Broncos finished with a three-round total of 896 (+32), nine shots behind winner New Mexico State and earned their fifth top-5 finish in 10 events this season.

"I knew I was in my zone when I eagled hole three," Freman said. "And then my round kept going when I made four birdies in a row. Through it all I had no idea I was close to winning the tournament because all the girls in my group were playing very solid."

"I'm so proud of my team!" said head coach Krystal Kelly. "They played with so much heart today. I think this week was a good confidence builder going into conference." And she added, "I'm very proud of Annie. Three wins in one season is very commendable. Her game is improving with each tournament."

Entering Tuesday's final round five shots off the lead, Freman's fourth below-par round of the year catapulted her into a tie with second round leader Camille Orito of New Mexico State and Boise State's Samantha Martin at 1-under 215.

It was the third individual tournament title of the year for Freman, tying her with Miki Ueoka, who established the program record in 2008-09.

"I felt very good going into today's round," said Freman. "I always prefer to be coming from the upper pack but not actually being in the lead, because who doesn't like a good comeback story?"

Sophomore Monique Riley earned her fourth career top-20 finish shooting a final round 77 to finish alone in 16th place with a 226 (+10) total, one shot ahead of teammate Kaci McCartan, who had her best round of the tournament with a 1-over 73 today. McCartan tied for 17th with her 227 (+11) total.

With a final round 77, sophomore Meghan Shain placed in a tie for 30th with her tournament total of 229 (+13) and senior Taylor Camany ended with a 239 (+23) total to tie for 66th.

"Overall I'm more proud of my team for kicking butt and overcoming some very competitive teams," Freman added. "We're looking forward to pressing the great teams we compete against in conference."

The Broncos will get their chance on April 14 when the three-day West Coast Conference Championship gets underway at the Gold Mountain Gold Club in Bremerton, Wash.

Cowgirl Classic Final Top 10 Team Standings

1. New Mexico State 297-296-294 = 887 (+23)

2. Santa Clara 298-302-296 = 896 (+32)

T3. Tulsa 300-301-300 = 901 (+37)

T3. Boise State 302-296-303 = 901 (+37)

5. Lamar 301-298-304 = 903 (+39)

T6. Montana 314-301-294 = 909 (+45)

T6. BYU 308-304-297 = 909 (+45)

8. Sacramento State 305-301-306 = 912 (+48)

9. Nevada 307-300-311 = 918 (+54)

10. Portland State 306-306-309 = 921 (+57)

Santa Clara Final Individual Results