Murcia, Sun Devils honored by Golfweek


Arizona State junior golfer Juliana Murcia was named Women's Player of the Week by Golfweek.com. Additionally, the Sun Devils were named Team of the Week after their win at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge. This is the second team honor for the Sun Devils this season and second individual honor. Anna Nordqvist was named Women's Player of the Week after taking first at The Derby while the team was named Team of the Week after their win at the NCAA Fall Preview.

Murcia won her first tournament title last week at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge. Battling through rain, freezing temperatures and 40 mph winds, the junior shot 1-over 214 (70-71-73) to help lead the Sun Devils to their third team title of the season. Her round one score of 70 was a career-low for Murcia, who started the tournament as the team's No. 4 player. Murcia beat out teammate Carlota Ciganda for first by eight shots.

The Sun Devils were named Team of the Week after placing first at the tournament. Winning by 18 strokes, the Sun Devils topped teams such as No. 2 UCLA and No. 3 USC. The Sun Devils were playing without its No. 1 and No. 2 players from the fall as Anna Nordqvist turned professional and Azahara Munoz was recovering from a minor surgery. Three Sun Devils placed in the top 20. Murcia led the Sun Devils, followed by Ciganda who tied for second and Jaclyn Sweeney who tied for 16th.

The Sun Devils set out to compete for their fourth tournament win of the season at the Wildcat Invitational in Puerto Penasco, Mexico. The tournament takes place Feb. 23-25.