Feb. 24, 2009

Complete Results in PDF Format

PUERTO PENASCO, Sonora, Mexico - Freshman Nathalie Mansson carded an even-par 72 on the final day of the 2009 Wildcat Invitational to lead the Tennessee women's golf team to an eighth-place finish at the three-day tournament on Tuesday.

Mansson finished with a total score of 74-73-72=219 (+3) at the Peninsula Golf Club to finish tied for 12th among 89 participants. Her total of 219 is her second-best score of the season. The Stockholm, Sweden, native's best score of 216 came at her collegiate debut, the Cougar Classic, in September.

The Lady Vols fired a third round score of 313 (+25) en route to finishing in eighth (302-294-313=909). In a loaded tournament field that featured nine of 17 teams in the top-25, UT defeated two ranked opponents, No. 19 California (t10th, 911) and No. 13 Denver (12th, 913).

Senior Nicole Smith carded a 76 for the final round and finished tied for 50th in her first tournament of the season with a total score of 78-79-76=233.

Sophomore Rebecca Watson fired an 82 for the third round, while juniors Diana Cantú and Ginny Brown each fired 83s to end the tournament. Watson tied for 71st with a total score of 84-74-82=240, while Cantú tied with Smith in 50th with a score of 76-74-83=233. Brown finished tied for 38th with a total score of 74-73-83=230.

No. 3 UCLA won the tournament with total score of 869 (+5). The Bruins were followed by No. 1 Arizona State and No. 2 USC (878), No. 6 Oklahoma State (888) and No. 14 Pepperdine (889).

New Mexico's Jodi Ewart and USC's Lizette Salas tied for medalist with three-day totals of 213 (-3).

The Lady Vols return to action March 8-10 at the UCF Challenge in Lake Mary, Fla.