MARICOPA, Ariz. – In the first postseason tournament in program history, Rutgers women's golf showed up big and won the team title at the National Golf Invitational Championship this weekend in Arizona. The Scarlet Knights were down by a stroke to UNC Wilmington going into the final round, but the team rallied and put together a strong final round to win the event by three strokes.
"What a way for us to finish off a great spring season," head coach
Kari Williams said. "I'm so proud of our seniors getting to cap off their careers with a team win, and for our returners who all played really well for us this weekend. This is a confidence builder for our players individually as they head into summer play, and for our program as a whole as we continue to improve year-over-year. Playing in the postseason is a privilege and we are all thrilled to be bringing back the NGI trophy to New Jersey."
Round 3 – Sunday, May 12
Weather: Sunny, Temps in mid-80s, 5-15 mph winds
Leigha Devine once again led the charge for RU, firing an even-par 72 to finish in fourth place. She helped the Scarlet Knights secure the team title with four straight birdies on the back nine and carded seven birdies on the day.
Lorena Rossettin shot a 1-over 73 and secured a spot in the top-10, finishing in a tie for seventh place. She had three straight birdies on the front nine and collected four on the day.
Emily James also finished in a tie for seventh wrapping up a strong week to close out her freshman campaign. Her effort was aided by birdies on No. 11 and 14.
Lucrezia Rossettin had a consistent week and finished just outside the top-10, closing the event in 11th place after 2-over 74 in the final round.
Round 2 – Saturday, May 11
Weather: Sunny, Temps in mid-80s, 5-10 mph winds
Leigha Devine continues to pace RU individually, as she is in sixth place after two rounds. She carded another four birdies, including back-to-back ones on No. 12 and 13.
Emily James added two more birdies en route to a 3-over 75 and remains in a tie for eighth place with one round left.
Lorena and
Lucrezia Rossettin once again matched eachother, each shooting a 1-over 73. They each carded a pair of birdies and 13 pars and are in a tie for 11th.
"My short game was really effective today and kept me in the round,"
Lucrezia Rossettin said. "We're ready to come back out tomorrow to compete hard in the final round."
Krystal Li substituted for
Rikke Nordvik and shot a 3-over 75 with three birdies to move into 49th place.
Round 1 – Friday, May 10
Weather: Sunny, Temps in mid-80s, 5-10 mph winds
Leigha Devine started strong on Friday, picking up a pair of birdies on the front nine to go out 2-under par. She finished with four birdies in her round to shoot a 1-under 71 and is two strokes off the lead.
Emily James had the best round of her young career, shooting a career-low, 1-under 71 to join Devine in a tie for fourth.
"My ball striking was solid today and I felt really confident with my putting inside of 10 feet," James said. "The greens are rolling well and you can make a lot of putts if you start the ball on the right line. We're excited for the chance to improve our play tomorrow in round two."
Lorena and
Lucrezia Rossettin each shot a 2-over 74 in their opening rounds to wrap up the first day in a tie for 15th place. They each carded four birdies to highlight their day on the course.
Rikke Nordvik rounded out the individual play, shooting a 6-over 78 and is in a tie for 32nd.
2024 National Golf Invitational Championship: Final Results
May 9-12
Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club (Maricopa, Ariz.)
Par 72 | 6,295 Yards
Format: 5 count 4 with substitutions
Field: Rutgers, Arkansas State, Austin Peay, Chattanooga, Florida Atlantic, Jacksonville State, Mercer, Santa Clara, UNC Wilmington, USC Upstate
Gallery: (5-12-2024) Women's Golf: National Golf Invitational
Rutgers University Women's Golf /// Piscataway, N.J.
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