LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. – Scoring the second-best round of the day with a 309, the Santa Clara women's golf team made up eight shots in today's final round and took home a share of the team title at the Grand Canyon Invitational, completed today at the Wigwam Country Club.
Entering the day in second place, the Broncos were able to gain eight strokes on Northern Arizona and tied the Lumberjacks atop the leaderboard with a score of 920 (+56). It was a program record third tournament title for Santa Clara this season. McNeese State placed third with a 923.
"I'm very proud of my team. This is a great start to our spring season," said head coach Krystal Kelly. "This will help build momentum going into our next tournament."
Junior Kaci McCartan carded a team-best 2-over 74 in today's final round and tied for sixth place with a trio of players, including teammate Annie Freman, at 229 (+13). Freman entered the round with a one shot lead but came in with an 82 to move into sixth.
Grand Canyon's Charlotte Jaengkit won the individual trophy defeating NAU's Brittany McKee on the third hole of a sudden-death playoff. The two completed 54 holes tied at 224 (+8).
Sophomore Monique Riley and senior Taylor Camany tied for 12th at 231 (+15), just a single shot out of a top 10 placement. For Riley it was her best career finish, to par score and 54-hole total. Junior Casey Briggs totaled a 254 and tied for 57th.
"I would also like to thank my assistant Greg (Staszko) for all his help with this tournament in my absence," added Kelly, who did not travel to Arizona with the team.
The Broncos return to action next week competing in the San Jose State Juli Inkster Invitational starting March 3 at the Almaden Golf and Country Club.
Grand Canyon Invitational – Final Round Team Top 5
T1. Santa Clara 308-303-309 = 920 (+56)
T1. Northern Arizona 298-305-317 = 920 (+56)
3. McNeese State 317-298-308 = 923 (+59)
4. Grand Canyon 314-298-313 = 925 (+61)
5. Grand Canyon (B) 306-309-315 = 930 (+66)
Santa Clara Final Round Individual Results
T6. Annie Freman 73-74-82 = 229 (+13)
T6. Kaci McCartan 79-76-74 = 229 (+13)
T12. Monique Riley 76-78-77 = 231 (+15)
T12. Taylor Camany 80-75-76 = 231 (+15)
T57. Casey Briggs 82-84-88 = 254 (+38)
