March 27, 2012

FINAL RESULTS

MAUI, Hawai'i - AJ Newell tabbed a tied-for-fourth finish at The Bay Course with a 4-over 76 on Tuesday, propelling the No. 19-ranked Tennessee women's golf team to a third-place team finish at the Anuenue Spring Break Classic hosted by the University of Hawai'i.

The two-day, 54-hole tournament concluded Tuesday at the par-72, 6,022-yard course, as UT carded a 12-over 300 team total. Tennessee finished with a three-round total of 299-293-300=892 (+28).

No. 14 Colorado captured the team championship with an 889 (+25) total while No. 15 TCU (891) placed second.

"We had a great chance today to win the event and let it slip away in the last few holes," Lady Vol head coach Judi Pavon said. "AJ played great all tournament and to have all six players finish in the top 23 was very solid."

Newell's 72-73-76=221 (+5) total placed her in a tie for fourth in the tournament field that featured five ranked teams in the 14 competing squads. The Tampa, Fla., native tallied seven birdies for the tournament in the best individual finish of her rookie campaign.

"I knew yesterday was going to be a long day, so I just tried to stay relaxed and play steady," Newell said. "Today the wind picked up and there were some tough pin positioning. Overall, even though it could have been better, I am very happy with this week."

Junior Sara Monberg carded a two-over 74 on the strength of four birdies. She finished tied for eighth with a 75-74-74=223 (+7) total.

Junior Erica Popson nabbed a birdie and carded a 76 on Tuesday. She finished with a 75-75-76=226 (+10) total, earning herself a share of 15th place.

Senior Nathalie Mansson carded a final-round 77 with three birdies. She tallied a 79-71-77=227 (+11) 54-hole total for a tie for 18th place.

Sophomore Kaitlyn Rohrback rounded out the Lady Vols' lineup, as she tallied a 74 on day three and finished in a tie for 23rd with a 228 (+12) total.

Competing as an individual at the Classic, sophomore Chessey Thomas tied for 18th place with a three-round total of 227 (+11) - the best finish among individual competitors.

California's Daniela Holmqvist snatched individual medalist honors with a 68-70-76=214 (-2) total, four strokes ahead of Pepperdine's Alina Ching.