Golf Finishes Third at Florida Challenge

LECANTO, Fla. – The No. 33-ranked Miami Hurricanes women’s golf team opened its spring season with a third-place finish Monday at the six-team Florida Challenge.

Hosted by USF at Black Diamond Ranch, the Hurricanes shot 15-over 591 in the two-round event, finishing nine strokes behind winner UCF (6-over 582). Florida State finished second at 8-over 584. Florida finished fourth at 17-over 593, FIU in fifth at 28-over 603 and host USF in sixth at 55-over 631.

Florida State individual Alex Milan won the tournament by one stroke, shooting 2-under 142.

“It was our first event out of the spring – not bad, but not great,” head coach Patti Rizzo said. “The girls looked good throughout the day. I think it’ll be a good spring season for us.”

Freshman Daniela Darquea and junior Leticia Ras-Anderica were Miami’s top finishers, as both tied for seventh overall at 3-over 147. The duo – along with sophomore Kailey Walsh – carded the Hurricanes’ lowest first-round score with a 1-over 73.

“It was a good warm-up for the spring season,” assistant coach John Koskinen said. “We saw a lot of good things and know what we have to work on as we prepare for UCF.

“We will make adjustments and be ready in two weeks,” Koskinen said. “Overall, a solid start to the spring.”

Junior Rika Park tied for 14th at 5-over 149. Park carded Miami’s lowest second-round tally of the day with a 1-over 73. Freshman Delfina Acosta finished two strokes behind Park at 7-over 151, tying for 21st overall. Three Hurricanes tied for 27th overall at 9-over 153 – Walsh, Lauren Riehle and Carina Cuculiza. Sophomore Christina Ocampo tied for 37th at 16-over 160.

Miami’s first three-round spring tournament will be the three-day UCF Challenge, which will be held Feb. 9-11 in Sorrento, Fla.

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