Cougars Jelling as a Team, Finish Sixth in Oregon

LEBANON -- After disappointing finishes in its first two spring tournaments, the BYU women's golf team, played consistently in carding a final round 13-over 301, to finish in a tie for sixth at the Oregon Duck Invitational, Friday.

With the possibility of postseason play just over five weeks away, BYU enhanced its potential seeding by finishing ahead of Colorado State, Oregon State, San Diego State, Oregon, Colorado and Nevada.

"We're starting to come along as a team," said head coach Sue Nyhus. "I think everyone is starting to play the way we did last fall."

After a lackluster first round, BYU roared into the middle of the pack, with consistent second and third rounds, as all five Cougars finished bunched in the middle of the pack.

The Cougars were led in the tournament with season-best outings by Jessica Gardner and Nicole Newren, who shot identical rounds of 16-over 232, to finish in a tie for 32nd. In the final round, Gardner shot two-over 74 and Newren carded a four-over 76.

"We're playing better now," Newren said. "We came out here knowing we had to perform at a higher level than we've been playing and I think we did that. We're starting to come together."

All-American Carrie Summerhays had BYU's best round of the day with a one-over 73 to finish at 19-over 235, good for 43rd.

"Carrie and Jessica came back and played a great third round," Nyhus said.

No. 17 Washington took the team title with an 18-over 882, nine shot ahead of second place Idaho and 36 shots ahead of the Cougars. Kim Welch of Washington State was the individual champion with an even-par 216, three shots better than second place Lindsay Morgan of Washington.

"I'm really happy with the way our team played," said freshman Natalie Newren, Nicole's younger sister. "We've had more time to regroup and practice our skills."

The Cougars finish their regular season schedule by hosting the Utah-Dixie Classic, April 8-9, in St. George, Utah.

BYU Individual Scores
T 32    Nicole Newren              81   75   76   232   +16
T 32    Jessica Gardner            81   77   74   232   +16
T 39    Natalie Newren             78   72   83   233   +17
T 43    Carrie Summerhays          78   84   73   235   +19
T 48    Lisa Dernick-Hardy         84   75   78   237   +21