University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Advance to NCAA Championships
5/7/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
The University of Minnesota women's golf team is headed to the NCAA Championship for the first time since 1989.
The Gophers carded a total of 299 on Sat. to finish third at the NCAA Central Regional in South Bend, Indiana, ending the 24 team event with a 54-hole score of 897. As one of the top eight teams in the field, Minnesota advances to final stage of the NCAA Tournament in Bryan, Texas from May 18-21.
"It's just great. The team played well and I am so proud of them. They have played great these past three days, and I knew they had this in them" said head coach John Harris.
Samantha Sommers posted a final round 76 to earn a tie for a season best sixth place, after heading into the day in third.
Teresa Puga shot a 75 over her last 18 holes to finish tied for eighth, picking up her third top-10 of the year.
Michele Edlin carded a 77 on Sat. to tie for 22nd, while Banchalee Theingthong ended with a 75 to tie for 42ndnd . Mary Narzisi was the low Gopher of the day, firing a one-over-par 73 to finish tied for 64th overall.
Minnesota finished just seven strokes behind champion UCLA (890) and three back of runner up LSU (894). Arkansas (899) and Notre Dame (901) rounded out the top five.
The Gophers will have next weekend off before heading to compete for the National Championship. Hosted by Texas &M, the event will be played at the Traditions Club in Bryan, Texas and feature a 24-team field consisting of the top eight schools from each regional tournament.Players Mentioned
