FRESNO, Calif. - The Bulldogs won their first tournament of the year at home at the Copper River Country Club. The `Dogs beat out UC Irvine and Hawaii for the top spot after a close competition all day in the Kitahara Fresno State Invitational. Fresno State (299-297 - 596) won by two strokes past UC Irvine (598). Hawaii (605) took third followed by Long Beach State (605) and Kansas State (609).
"I'm so proud of the team and their dedication to winning this tournament," said head coach Angie Cates. "This is something we have been thinking about all year and to actually pull it off was remarkable."
Jennifer Shipley started the morning off tied for 16th and after carding a 72 today led the `Dogs tied for third. By a scorecard playoff, Shipley took the third place position. This marks Shipley's third top five finish of the year.
"It was awesome playing at home," said sophomore Jennifer Shipley. "I enjoyed the support and being rooted on. It was really exciting winning our first tournament and it is a good start to our spring season. I am looking forward to our next tournament."
Brittany Cooley (76-74), Tiffany Veerkamp (76-74) and freshman Maria Pia Escandon (73-77) all finished tied for ninth shooting a final score of 150. Marking a top ten finish for four of the Bulldogs. Laura Luethke (74-81 - 155) finished tied for 32nd
"It is a first to have four of our players finish in the top ten," said Cates. "It is quite an accomplishment, and it was a real team effort. The team learned a lot about themselves and their ability to compete at the highest level."
Escandon led the `Dogs after round one and was the last Bulldog to finish the final round. The team watched and cheered her on as she sank her par 4 on the 18th hole.
"It was really nice seeing everyone supporting me," said Escandon. "It's good to know I helped the team to win, and I am really excited about the upcoming tournaments, we definitely have a lot more confidence."
Individually Kay Hoey (74-72 - 146) of Long Beach won the tournament after shooting a third round of 72 to finish 2-over. Lindsay Caljouw (147) of Colorado took second.
Fresno State's B team finished in 17th place led by freshman Hali Coppin (80-75 -155) who shot a 75 today to tie for 35th place. Taylor Siebert (78-81 -159) tied for 63rd followed by Jenna Buchanan (81-79 - 160) who tied for 71st. Marissa Patterson (169) tied 81st and Whitney Yano (176) placed 92nd.