Women's golf advances to nation-leading 21st-consecutive NCAA Championships

RESULTS | TOURNAMENT CENTRAL | 2012 STATISTICS

The fourth-ranked Arizona State women’s golf team advanced to its 21st-consecutive NCAA Championship appearance with the team’s sixth-place finish at the 2012 NCAA East Regional in State College, Pa., May 12. The Sun Devils hold the nation’s longest streak of women’s golf NCAA Championship appearances.

ASU pulled off a third round come back, shooting a 2-under 286 in the final round of competition to finish among the field’s top-eight teams. The top eight teams from each region advance to the NCAA Championships in Franklin, Tenn. For the tournament, the Sun Devils shot a 23-over 887 (303-298-286) to tie for sixth with Michigan State and Duke. Also advancing out of the East Region are South Carolina, Texas A&M, Texas, Alabama, and Florida.

The Sun Devils were led by clutch third-round performances by sophomores Justine Lee and Laura Blanco. Lee, who had shot 74, 73 in the first two rounds, came out to compete on Saturday shooting ASU’s lowest round of the tournament with a 69 to tie for third place. The sophomore carded five birdies, including a final one on 18 to put her at 3-under on the day. With her third-place finish, Lee has recorded four top-10 finishes on the season.

Shooting her second-lowest round of the season, Blanco carded a 2-under 70 in the final round of the NCAA East Regional to help seal the Sun Devil’s NCAA bid. For the tournament, the sophomore shot a 7-over 223 (78-75-70).

Senior Giulia Molinaro once again proved why she’s one of the most consistent golfers in the country. Ranked third in the nation, Molinaro shot an even-par 72 in the final round to tie for 19th overall. On the season, the senior has never finished outside the top-20.

The Sun Devils will compete in the 2012 NCAA Championships, May 22-25, in Franklin, Tenn. The tournament, hosted by Vanderbilt, will be held at the Vanderbilt Legends Club. Arizona State has won the most national championships in NCAA women’s golf history with seven (1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998, 2009).