The 43rd ranked (Golfweek) Georgia State women's golf team won its fourth tournament of the season with a nine stroke victory at the Qdoba Invitational on the Don Shula's Golf Club in Miami, Fla.
Panthers recorded a final round 301 to cap their winning score of 291-299-301?891 (+27) on the par 72 6,210 yard course to best the 14-team field that included 16th-ranked Louisville and 38th-ranked North Carolina State.
"We're so excited to come away with the win," said Georgia State head coach Cathy Mant. "The girls are playing so well right now, and it's satisfying to have something positive to go with all of their hard work. Coaches were coming up to me and complimenting our team, which makes us feel really thrilled about the rest of the season."
The Panthers had three individuals finish in the top-five, led by sophomore Iliska Verwey, who finished second, with Anna Scott and Cathrine Madsen tying for fourth.
Verwey finished with scores of 73-73-74?220 (+4) to finish two strokes behind 13th-ranked Cindy LaCrosse, who posted a 72 on the final round to take the individual competition with scores of 74-72-72?218 (+2).
Verwey started the day in a three way with Louisville golfers Laura Anderson, who faltered with a 78, and LaCrosse.
The second place finish gives Verwey her fourth top-five in five events. This season Verwey has amassed wins at the U. of Cincinnati Fall Classic and Lady Pirate Intercollegiate, a third place finish at the Edwin Watts/Palmetto Intercollegiate, and a 20th place finish at the Heather Farr/U. of Colorado Memorial.
Senior Anna Scott and junior Cathrine Madsen were able to maintain their position in fourth place by each carding a 76 on the day. Madsen finished at 72-75-76?223 (+7). Scott finished with scores of 71-76-76?223 (+7). Madsen and Scott tied with Tulane's Samantha Troyanovich and 58th-ranked North Carolina State golfer Lauren Doughtie.
Freshman Charlotte Lorentzen wrapped up her Georgia State debut by moving up two places to 14th by finishing with scores of 75-76-75?226 (+10). Lorentzen began classes at Georgia State in January and missed the fall season.
Sophomore Sandra Maier finished at 76-75-78?229 (+13) to earn a 19th place finish, marking the first time this season that all five Panther golfers have finished in the top-20 at an event.
In the team competition, Georgia State expanded its five shot Monday lead to nine strokes at the end of Tuesday's round by finishing at +27.
The Panthers outdueled Tulane (+36), 16th-ranked Louisville (+37), 38th-ranked North Carolina State (+40), Washington State (+45), Oklahoma City (+56), James Madison (+66), Miami (+67), Augusta State (+69), Illinois State (+70), South Florida (+71), UNC Greensboro (+84), Memphis (+104), and Mercer (+137), to take home the win.
With their fourth team victory of the season, the Panthers have tied the school record for most wins in a year. In 2004-2005, Georgia State won four events, including the Atlantic Sun Championship, and earned a trip to the NCAA West Regional.
Georgia State now turns its attention to the Juli Inkster/Spartan Invitational, which will begin on March 2nd in San Jose, Calif. at Almaden Country Club.
