Women's golf wins second tournament of season

The Arizona State women's golf team capped the fall season on high with their second tournament win as the Sun Devils handily won The Derby Invitational. Led by All-Americans Anna Nordqvist and Azahara Munoz, the Sun Devils shot a 5-over 869 (300-284-285). The Sun Devils finished with an 18 stroke lead over second place Virginia, who carded a 23-over 887 (289-298-300).

"Winning by 18 is always a good way to end the fall season," said Nordqvist, "It was nice to get that last win before the offseason."

"Before coming out here we had a meeting," said Munoz, "We said we wanted to end the fall season how we started, with a win, and that's what we did."

Nordqvist tore up the course throughout the tournament. After tying her low round of 5-under 67 yesterday, the junior carded a 2-under 70 in the third round to win her first tournament of the season. Nordqvist shot a 9-under 207 (70-67-70) to earn her first outright tournament victory since the 2007 PING/ASU Invitational and second all-time. She also tied for first at last year's PING/ASU Invitational, but fell in the playoff.

"It feels so good to win, I've been so close so many times," says Nordqvist. "Everything just seemed to go my way this tournament. I played solid golf and I'm really happy."

Shooting a 5-under 211 (72-70-69), Munoz tied for second behind Nordqvist. The reigning NCAA champion carded a 3-under 69 in the third round, knocking in three birdies.

"We knew we could come back after the first day," said Munoz. "We played really well yesterday and we played pretty well today."

Jennifer Osborn tied for 12th. The senior shot an 8-over 224 (78-73-73). Juliana Murcia finished the tournament tied for 21st at 11-over 227 (80-74-73). Liisa Kelo shot a 39-over 255 (82-85-88).

The Sun Devils will begin their spring season, with their full roster, in February at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge in Palos Verdes, Calif.