Spartan Women’s Golf Wins Third Tournament of the Season, Claims Gator Invitational

 GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The No. 15 Michigan State women’s golf team claimed its third tournament title of the season Sunday afternoon by winning the Gator

 GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The No. 15 Michigan State women’s golf team claimed its third tournament title of the season Sunday afternoon by winning the Gator Invitational with a team score of 868 (294-286-288), besting second-place Florida State by three strokes. The Spartans trailed the 22nd-ranked Seminoles by three shots entering Sunday’s final round, but MSU closed with a team score of 288, while FSU carded a 294.

 

The Spartans previously won the Mary Fossum Invitational in September and the Tar Heel Invitational in October.

 

“This team is just fun to watch,” said Spartan head coach Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll, who has now led MSU to 26 tournament wins in her career. “We definitely got better this weekend and came together as a team. This is the time of year we have to play to the level of the competition, and we beat an excellent Florida State team. They had won their last two tournaments, so they were a hot and confident team, but we really kicked it into gear down the stretch. Every tournament we’re in is so competitive and tough to win, so it’s nice to get the victory.”

 

Senior Laura Kueny tied for first place after 54 holes by shooting a 2-over 212 (73-68-71), which also tied her career best three-round total. Kueny fell to Chattanooga ’s Emma de Groot for medalist honors on the third playoff hole. Kueny, who began the day with a one-stroke lead, fell behind de Groot on the front nine after shooting a 40; however, Kueny was electric on the back nine, carding a 4-under 31, including four birdies on the last six holes, to force a playoff.

 

Kueny’s total of 212 was bolstered by her second round of 68 on Saturday, which tied an MSU single-round record.

 

“Laura was a little disheartened after the front nine, but came back and was incredible with a 31 on the back nine,” said Slobodnik-Stoll. “She’s just so good and talented and really made some unbelievable shots.”

 

Junior Aimee Neff was right behind Kueny, finishing four shots back with a career-low 216 (72-73-71) to tie for fifth. Neff’s previous career best 54-hole score was a 218 at the Tar Heel Invitational in October.

 

“Aimee was just so consistent all weekend,” Slobodnik-Stoll said. “To only finish four shots back is very impressive.”

 

Shannon Warner and Lindsey Solberg each posted a 73 on Sunday to round out MSU’s team scoring in addition to Kueny and Neff. Warner closed the tournament with a 222 (75-74-73) to tie for 21st, while Solberg finished at 230 (79-78-73) to tie for 36th.

 

Freshman Caroline Powers recorded her fourth top-20 finish of the season by taking 14th place with a 220 (74-71-75).

 

“The key this weekend was the balance,” Slobodnik-Stoll said. “The fourth scorer really makes a difference in these tournaments. You have to have four good scores to win against this caliber of competition.”

 

Playing as an individual, Natalie Brehm tied for 33rd with a 229 (75-79-75).