FAIRFAX, Calif. – No. 1 Stanford captured its fifth tournament title while Rose Zhang claimed her ninth career crown, tying a school record, on Tuesday at the Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational.
Stanford held off a charge from No. 11 USC, winning by five strokes and posting a 6-under score overall as the only school to shoot under par (-1) on the final day of competition.
Tuesday's victory was even more impressive considering the Cardinal opened the final round trailing the Trojans by six shots.
The Cardinal delivered its fifth crown of the season, having already secured tournament victories at the Carmel Cup, Stephen's Cup (championship match), Stanford Intercollegiate and Pac-12 Preview.
The constant during those five wins - amazing individual performances from Rose Zhang - held true again on Tuesday. Zhang finished at 11-under for the tournament, posting a final round 5-under and executing when it mattered most, recording three birdies over her last four holes.
Zhang continues to rewrite the school record books, matching Andrea Lee's school record of nine career victories. Zhang, who has won five times in six events this season, has also produced 13 top-two finishes, 14 top-five marks and 15 top-10s in 16 career events on The Farm. Zhang's only career finish outside the top-10 was a tie for 12th earlier this season at the Stephens Cup.
Despite missing Rachel Heck and Brooke Seay to injuries, the Cardinal showcased its superior depth.
Sadie Englemann, fresh off her first career Pac-12 Golfer of the Week award, proved to be an anchor and finished 1-under after solid rounds of 72-72-71, good for a third-place tie.
Megha Ganne also produced a top-10 finish, finishing tied for ninth at 1-over, with rounds of 72-72-73.
Stanford returns to action on March 27-29, with individuals scheduled to compete at the Anuenue Spring Break Classic in Waikoloa, Hawaii.
Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational (Meadow Club, par 72)
| Name | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Stanford (-6) | 283 (-5) | 288 (E) | 287 (-1) | 858 (-6) |
| 1. Rose Zhang | 68 (-4) | 70 (-2) | 67 (-5) | 205 (-11) |
| T3. Sadie Englemann | 72 (E) | 72 (E) | 71 (-1) | 215 (-1) |
| T9. Megha Ganne | 72 (E) | 72 (E) | 73 (+1) | 217 (+1) |
| T27. Angelina Ye | 71 (-1) | 76 (+4) | 76 (+4) | 223 (+7) |
| T34. Kelly Xu | 72 (E) | 74 (+2) | 78 (+6) | 224 (+8) |
Juli Inkster at Meadow Club Invitational (Meadow Club, par 72)
| Name | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T54. Yu Wen Lu (Individual) | 78 (+6) | 76 (+4) | 75 (+3) | 229 (+13) |
| T64. Rebecca Becht (Individual) | 79 (+7) | 77 (+5) | 75 (+3) | 231 (+15) |
| 74. Caroline Sturdza (Individual) | W | W | N/A |