For the second consecutive year, the women’s golf team will make an appearance at the NCAA Championships today. For Evan Jensen, this will also be her last.
The senior, who has shot an average of 74.43 for the 2011-12 season, will lead the team as they search for their third NCAA title in program history.
Their first two wins came in back-to-back years in 1985 and 1986.
“It’s definitely something I’ve thought about being my last college tournament,” Jensen said. “It’s difficult to leave here, I don’t really want to. I’ve loved every moment here, so going into this last tournament is going to be great.”
Despite the bittersweet atmosphere, Jensen is coming off one of her best performances this year, which led the Gators to place tied for fourth at the NCAA East Regional. Jensen shot a three day total of 217 (+1) carding nine birdies against eight bogeys to secure a tie for seventh.
“I played really well, and I did leave a few shots out there, but that’s always a good feeling knowing that I was so close to winning a tournament in a really good field,” Jensen said.
“It’s a good feeling knowing that I have the ability (to win), and I’ve already competed with these players.”
The field for the NCAA Championships will consist of 18 teams ranked in the top 25, including Florida at No. 12. But coach Jan Dowling still believes her team will come out on top.
“Our ultimate goal would be to win, we would love to do that and I think we’re capable of it,” Dowling said. “I know the team is hungry to get back in the mix. That’s all you can ask for when you’re playing in a college golf tournament or any golf tournament is to get yourself into the mix and get yourself in contention.”
The Gators have stayed in the mix for a majority of the season with six top-five finishes, including the last four tournaments. Dowling credits Florida’s depth as its key to having a solid performance, saying that the No. 5 player could shoot low just as easily as its No. 1.
Proof of that came in the final round of the NCAA Regional when freshman Camilla Hedberg’s score was not counted towards the team total. Hedberg leads the Gators in average with a 73.46 and is on pace to set the school record for lowest average among freshmen.
Jensen has proven to be a valuable player for the Gators throughout her time at Florida. In addition to possibly finishing in the top 15 for lowest scoring average, she has placed in the top 10 in two of the last three tournaments, and hopes to do the same one final time at her last collegiate meet in Franklin, Tenn.
“Evan is just our solid rock,” Dowling said. “She’s face a lot of adversity throughout her four years here at Florida.
“What she’s done at Florida just proves what a competitor is and how reliable she is as a person and a teammate.”
Contact Katie Agostin at kagostin@alligator.org.
