Anna Backman Captures Title; UM Golf Finishes Second
NEW ORLEANS – Two tournaments into the 2020 spring season and a pair of Canes have already garnered tournament titles after sophomore Anna Backman tied for first at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate on Tuesday.
Competing at the par 73, 6,336-yard English Turn Golf and Country Club, the Vaaksy, Finland, native’s seven-under 212 performance paced the Hurricanes’ golf team to a three-round total of seven-under 869 and a second-place finish.
“I am very happy with the team’s performance this week,” Miami head coach Patti Rizzo said. “We haven’t really lost, we have just been beaten. Florida finished 11-under [on Tuesday], which is very solid. But, we will have our day soon, hopefully at the Hurricane Invitational.”
Entering Tuesday’s final round of competition tied for third at five-under-par, Backman once again remained steady, adding 17 more par or better holes to her resume.
Overall, the sophomore capped the tournament with 10 birdies and an eagle to tie Clara Manalini of Florida with a seven-under-par performance and capture her second collegiate title in as many years.
Joining Backman among the top-10 individuals, junior Kristyna Frydlova capped the two-day event with a team-high 11 birdies and an eagle, to finish tied for 10th at three-under 216.
Following closely behind, freshman Daniella Barrett secured her first career top-20 finish, tying for 17th at one-under 218, in addition to carding 10 birdies.
“Daniella finally got on track and Anna was awesome today,” Rizzo said. “[Anna] made two great putts on the last two holes to tie for first. I am very satisfied so far.”
Finishing with nine birdies in the Big Easy, senior Renate Grimstad capped the event with an even-par final 18, while finishing tied for 30th at four-over 223.
Rounding out the Hurricanes’ lineup, freshman Franziska Sliper finished tied for 63rd at 12-over-par.
Up next, the Hurricanes will return to competition March 2-3 when they host the Hurricane Invitational. Competing at the Biltmore Hotel and Golf Course in Coral Gables, Fla., action will begin on Monday at 8 a.m. with a pair of rounds, while the final round is scheduled to begin Tuesday at 8 a.m.
To keep up with the University of Miami golf team on social media, follow @HurricanesGolf on Twitter, @CanesGolf on Instagram and @CanesWGolf on Facebook.
