April 3, 2011
TEMPE, Ariz. - Stanford's women's golf team shot a final round-best 296 (+8) to finish fifth at the PING/ASU Invitational held at the Karsten Course in Tempe, Ariz.
The Cardinal finished at 886 (+22) for the tournament, 23 shots behind first place UCLA, which won the event with a 1-under 863. The Bruins outlasted USC (867) for the team title, while Arizona finished third at 878 (+14), followed by Texas at 880 (+16).
Stanford's final round score of 296 was the low team round of the day, two shots better than UCLA, which closed with a 298.
Sophia Popov of USC won the individual title with a 54-hole score of 211 (-5), closing with a final round 71. She held off Tiffany Lau (213) and Stephanie Kono (214) to claim medalist honors.
Stanford sophomore Kristina Wong closed with a 1-under 71 to tie for 10th at 218 (+2), marking her fifth straight top-10 finish.
Sally Watson tied for 14th at 219 (+3) after carding a final round 74 on Sunday. The sophomore from Earlsferry, Scotland started strong, collecting birdies on her first two holes. However, a double bogey on the par-3 12th hole and bogies on holes No. 17 and 18 dashed hopes of a top-10 finish.
Junior Lila Barton and senior Rebecca Durham tied for 34th at 225 (+9). Durham finished with a 74 while Barton carded a final round 77.
Freshman Marissa Mar tied for 46 at 228 (+12) after closing with a 77 on Sunday.
Stanford will head back to the Karsten Course for the Pac-10 Championships, set for April 17-19.