WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University women's golf team not only defended their Peggy Kirk Bell Invitational tournament title from a year ago, but junior
Michelle Ruiz picked up individual medalist honors to close out a banner day on Tuesday. As a team, the Sharks shot a three-round 896 (+32) to close out play at Tuscawilla Country Club.
"So proud of the team for staying mentally tough despite the tough conditions and staying present all day long," head coach
Heather Wall said. "I'm extremely happy and proud of Michelle on getting her first college win. This gives us great momentum heading into the rest of the season."
Ruiz had a stellar outing on the links capturing her first individual medalist honor. She grabbed the lead early after the first two rounds when she opened with a 72 (E) in the first and a 70 (-2) in the second rounds. With a third-round of 76 (+4), she finished tournament at 218 (+2) and finished two strokes ahead of the field to win medalist honors.
"I had a solid three rounds," Ruiz said. "Going in I felt confident, I practiced hard and I did all the work I needed to do help the team win and also get the individual win. As a team, we're coming together and we're going to peak at the right time. We're just getting really excited and working hard for conference, regionals and nationals this year."
Two other Sharks also finished in the top-10.
Sophie Madden finished tied for fourth at a three-round 223 (+7).
Aldana Foigel's final round of 71 (-1) propelled her into a tie for seventh with a three-round 225 (+9), while
Janelle Johnson (+15) and
Jamie Freedman (+20) finished tied for 19
th and 32
nd respectively to close out the event.
The University of Montevallo carded a three round 913 (+49) finished second, followed by NSU's fellow Sunshine State Conference member Florida Tech (+50) in third. The tournament host Rollins (+51) fell back to finish fourth overall after finishing the first two rounds tied for first and Flagler (+56) rounded out the top-five with a three round 920.
The Sharks will return to action on March 27 and 28 when they compete in the Buccaneer Invitational hosted at Don Shula's Resort in Miami Lakes, Fla.
