The Florida women’s golf team finished the SunTrust Gator Women’s Golf Invitational on Sunday in third place.
The Gators scored a three-round total of 879 (295-292-292, +39) and finished 11 strokes behind Michigan State who claimed the tournament title.
“We had a pretty big deficit to make up going in to the second round and at one point today we were within four shots,” UF coach Jan Dowling said. “Three of our players played really well; I am really proud of Jessica and Evan and especially Mia who finished third.”
Mia Piccio tied for third place, carding a 54-hole total of 214 (70-72-72, +4). The freshman was in the running for first place on Sunday, entering the turn at one-under par. The individual title came down to her final three holes, but two bogeys and a par kept her from victory.
“Mia has worked hard all year and she has a true passion for the game of golf,” Dowling said. “She had a great practice round on Friday afternoon and she really focused and played really well on the golf course.”
Following Piccio, sophomore Evan Jensen jumped nine spots in the final round to finish in 10th. Jensen carded a 218 (76-72-70, +8).
Junior Jessica Yadloczky also finished strong, moving up 16 spots on the leaderboard to tie for 11th. Yadloczky had the low round for UF in the final 18, with a one-under par 69. She carded a tournament total of 219 (73-77-69, +9).
Rounding out the lineup for the Gators, sisters Isabelle and Marika Lendl finished in a tie for 46th and 58th, respectively. Isabelle shot a 232 (76-72-84, +22) and her older sister followed four strokes behind at 236 (79-76-81, +26).
Individually, Florida finished strong as well. Sophomore Andrea Watts came in 21st with a 222 (71-76-75, +12). Freshman Megan Pak tied for 40th while seniors Nicole Schachner and Lauren Uzelatz finished in a tie for 46th and in 72nd, respectively.
