Florida entered Tuesday's final round of the Betsy Rawls Invite tied for first place with Southeastern Conference foe Alabama.
After 18 holes were not enough to separate the teams, Camilla Hedberg outdueled Alabama’s Jennifer Kirby in a playoff to secure the Gators second victory of the fall season.
Both totaled 208 (-8) through three rounds, prompting sudden death.
On the first extra hole, Hedberg countered Kirby’s bogey with a par to put the nail in the coffin.
“Camilla played great today,” coach Emily Bastel said. “The playoff was a great experience for her despite obviously wanting to win in regulation, but she was solid on the playoff hole and made a clutch 4-footer to seal the win.”
Both Florida and Alabama turned in 290 (+2) on Tuesday, setting up the individual playoff to determine the event champion. Before taking the course in the head-to-head round, Hedberg built upon her 138 (-6) two-round total, adding three birdies to post a 70 (-2).
The Sitges, Spain, native has amassed two individual titles this season. Tuesday’s play marked the eight time she has shot an under-par round this year. She claimed her second individual medal since winning the Cougar Classic on Sept. 11.
But it was the Gators' collective efforts that spawned the late-hole heroics from Hedberg. Florida turned in a team score of 290 (+2) for the round and 863 (-1) for the tournament, its second-lowest tournament total of the year.
“It was a real team effort all week. There were bright spots for every player all week and overall, this fall season has been a big confidence booster for us as we begin to prepare for the spring season,” Bastel said.
Hedberg’s counterpart, senior Isabelle Lendl, shot a balanced 216 (E) for the tournament. Lendl carded an eagle on the fifth hole and finished the day with three birdies. She finishes the season with four consecutive top-10 finishes, including individual medals at both the Tar Heel and Dale McNamara invites.
Following suit was Mia Piccio, who ended the round with a 1-over 73. The native Philippine turned in three birdies to four bogeys, closing out the final fall tournament of her senior season at 217 (+1).
She finished tied for 11th with Arkansas’ Emily Tubert and Auburn’s Carlie Yadloczky.
Freshman Ursa Orehek turned in another 75 (+3) in round three, bringing her tournament total to 226 (+10). Her total score ties her season-high, which was set at the Cougar Classic. She finished in 65th.
Junior Elcin Ulu turned in a 78 (+6) on Tuesday and 225 (+9) for the event. She finished tied for 37th.
Bastel’s transition into the head coaching role has been seamless with the play of Lendl and Hedberg. Florida amassed four individual wins in four events during the fall season. The Gators will look to keep the momentum when the spring season begins with the Northrup Grumman Regional Championship in Palso Verdes, Calif., on Feb. 11.
