April 6, 2010

Tournament Results - Final

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. - The Maryland women's golf team claimed their third straight top-two finish after taking the title at the Canes and Cardinal Classic in Miami Lakes, Fla., this afternoon. Freshman Christine Shimel individually conquered the course at Don Shula's Golf Resort with a second place finish of her own.

The Terps led during both days of the tournament, finishing with a 908 (302-307-299). After the first two rounds commenced yesterday, the Terrapins had a five stroke lead over Kansas State and the rest of the competition. Maryland used a 299 in the final round to extend the gap to 13. The Terps were the only school to eclipse the 300 mark during the Classic.

Maryland led all teams in par four and five scoring and was also one of only two teams with a player who registered an eagle. The Terrapins also earned 25 birdies throughout the two-day tournament, third best in the field.

Shimel got her fifth top-10 finish going just one over par with a 217 (74-73-70). She was just two strokes away from first place which was won by Akron's Kristen Hill (73-70-72--215). Shimel was one of just three players to record eagles on the course and led all individuals in par four scoring.

All Terps finished in the top-25 for the second consecutive time. During their last tournament at the Hoya Invitational all Maryland players were in the top-20.

Freshman Hayley Brown sat just outside the top-20 after the first two rounds with a first round score of 78 and second round mark of 78. Brown saved her best performance for last carding a 75 through the final 18 holes. She came in a tie for 16th with a 16-over-par 216.

Junior Kerri Connolly improved her positioning as well to finish in a tie for No. 21. Connolly shaved six strokes off her first round score in the latter half of yesterday and continued to improve her overall score with a 75 in the third round. The Duxbury, Mass., native finished with a 235 (83-77-75). Graduate student Carly Hunt also finished in a tie for 21st (76-80-79--235) while sophomore Jessica Hollandsworth was just one stroke behind Connolly and Hunt with a 236 (73-79-84).

The Terrapins have 10 days before they head in to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship which starts on April 16. They have earned one other first place finish this season, taking the crown for the third straight time at the Spider Invitational in Richmond, Va., during the fall.