No. 13 women's golf advances to 22nd consecutive NCAA Championship appearance


The 13th-ranked Arizona State women's golf team qualified for its 22nd-straight NCAA Championship appearance, the longest streak in NCAA history, at the NCAA Central Regional, Saturday, in Norman, Okla. The Sun Devils finished in fifth place with a total of 14-over 878 (292-298-288). The top-eight teams from each region advance to the NCAA Championships, May 21-24, in Athens, Ga.


Starting the round with a six-stroke margin of difference between the third and 12th team, there was little room for error in the third round to stay within the top-eight. Junior Justine Lee, who has been easing back into competition after sitting out most of the fall with a wrist injury, shot the low round the Sun Devils needed to keep ASU with in the top eight. Lee shot a third-round total of 2-under 70, coupled with even-par performances from sophomore Noemi Jimenez and Daniela Ordonez kept the Sun Devils even for the round.


Arizona State holds the record for most consecutive NCAA Championship appearances with 22 straight. The Sun Devils also lead the nation in NCAA Championships with seven and NCAA individual titles with five. ASU has won a total of nine individual titles counting victories prior to the incorporation of women's sports into the NCAA.


Also qualifying from the Central Regional along with Arizona State are: Duke, Oklahoma, Mississippi State, Florida, UC Davis, Wisconsin and Michigan State.