Arizona's Krystal Quihuis
(University of Arizona Photo)
TUCSON, AZ (March 15, 2016)--Host Arizona started the day trailing instate rival Arizona State by a stroke. However, in final round play the Wildcats stormed back to win by 11 with a team total of 857 (7-under par).
Arizona was the only team to finish the tournament in red figures, picking up their first solo title of the season. Previously, the defending Pac-12 champions had twice finished in a first place tie.
In an event being contested at Sewailo Golf Club the Wildcats placed four players in the top 10. Leading the way was medalist winner, sophomore Krystal Quihuis. It was the first win in Quihuis' career who started the round four off the pace.
"I have been waiting for this win for a long time and it feels like all my hard work with my parents, coaches, and teammates has paid off," Quihuis told those in attendance following the round. "I feel very blessed and honored to have won the Wildcat Invitational in our home state."
Last year's Pac-12 Freshman of the Year paced the host school with three rounds under par to finish at 7-under for the tournament. Her best round of the event was a first round 4-under 68. She followed that with rounds of 71 and 70.
Quihuis was helped by freshman Haley Moore, 2-under par, who finished in sixth place. Two Arizona players, senior Lindsey Weaver and freshman Gigi Stoll, tied for tenth at 1-over par.
"For the ladies to play so confidently today was really satisfying. Krystal Quihuis managed to keep a level head especially while playing in the same group as the current leader. It was reassuring for us to see our hard-work pay off,” said head women’s golf coach Laura Ianello to University of Arizona representatives following the completion of play.
Arizona State led the team competition after the second round at 2-under par but struggled on the final day to finish 4-over par (868). UNLV (876) finished 8 strokes behind Arizona State in a distant third.
In a tight race for medalist honors Arizona State freshman Linnea Strom finished second at 6-under par. Strom, who placed second at the 2015 Ladies British Open Amateur Championship, held a three stroke lead heading into the final round play but shot a 3-over par 75. Sun Devil junior Monica Vaughn rounded out the top-three with a score of 5-under par.
ABOUT THE Arizona Wildcat Invitational
54-hole women's collegiate event hosted by the
University of Arizona. Team (best four scores of five
players each day) and individual competitions.
View Complete Tournament Information