Women's golf places second at PING/ASU Invitational

The Arizona State third-ranked women's golf team placed second at the PING/ASU Spring Invitational. The Sun Devils shot 1-over 865 (288-292-285), 12 strokes behind first place USC (281-288-285) the par-72, 6,230-yard ASU Karsten Golf Course.

"I was very pleased with how we did," said ASU head coach Melissa Luellen. "USC played so well this week. We played good golf and they played great golf. We played very solid golf this weekend and have nothing to hang ourselves up over. I feel like we're building some momentum that's exactly what we wanted to do heading into the post-season."

Anna Nordqvist came close repeating as tournament champion. The sophomore All-American forced tournament leader Dewi Schreefel of USC into sudden death after making three birdies on the back nine. Nordqvist missed the green on the 18th hole allowing Schreefel to par the hole and claim the individual honors. Nordqvist finished the tournament 7-under 209 (70-70-69).

"I know Anna's disappointed that she didn't pull through," said Luellen. "She hit into a tough spot on that second playoff hole and missed a short put on her first playoff hole. You never miss a short put on a playoff hole and after this I can promise you she won't ever again."

Junior All-American Azahara Munoz moved up three spots from round two to tie for third overall shooting a 4-under 212 (73-70-69). Junior All-American Jennifer Osborn also finished strong, tying for 11th overall carding a 2-over 218 (72-75-71).

"It's great to have Anna back in the battle because she had faltered a little bit," Luellen said. "Aza was great and Jen was `Jen' again. I was just really pleased. It was a good tounament."

Rounding out the lineup, Juliana Murcia shot 10-over 226 (73-77-76) to tie for 42nd while Camila Sola tied for 70th at 20-over 236 (78-81-77).

Two Sun Devils competed as individuals. Liisa Kelo shot 20-over 236 (73-81-82) to tie for 70th while graduate Brooke Todare placed 75th at 21-over 237 (81-78-78).

Next up, the Sun Devils attempt to repeat as Pac-10 Champions at the Palos Verdes Golf Course in Palos Verdes, Calif. The tournament will begin April 21st