Fresno, Calif.-Senior Madeleine Ziegert won her first regular-season individual title and helped the San Jose State women's golf team to a second-place finish at the Fresno State Lexus Classic at Copper River Country Club.
Ziegert, who tied for the 2010 NCAA West Regional medalist honors, won the individual title Tuesday by two shots over Tisha Alyn Abrea from Cal State Fullerton. Ziegert started the round with a one-shot lead over Abrea. Ziegert had a one-shot lead over Abrea until the 18th hole when Ziegert made par and Abrea bogeyed the hole.
The last two holes were key for Ziegert. On the par-4 17, she hit a pitching wedge from 113 yards for her second shot to within four feet hole and made the putt for the third birdie of her round. On 18, Ziegert chipped her third shot to within six inches of the hole and putted for par, while Abrea made a bogey on the final hole.
"I went into today trying to be calm and reminding myself to pay attention to the details," said Ziegert. "I played a strong last three holes and made a great up-and-down on 18 for the win. My putting was working well for me today, especially when I was in trouble and needed to make putts.
"This win feels amazing, and I have worked really hard this year. The win gives me the confidence for the rest of the season and reminds me that I need to pay attention to the details of my game."
The Spartans started the day with a one-shot lead over CS Fullerton and had a lead before each golfer played her final five holes. Hole 14 posed problems for the team on Tuesday as the Spartans finished +9 on the hole. The only birdie in the final 25 holes was Ziegert's on the 17th. San Jose State ended the tournament at 897, four shots behind the Titans who shot an 893.
Kathleen Rojas shot a 75 in her final round to finish 11th with a 227. Megan Osland shot an 81 to finish 14th at 228. Jennifer Brumbaugh and Jordanne Barr finished tied for 22nd at 232.
"Today we did not focus on our game plan or attention to the details as well as we did yesterday," said Spartan head coach John Dormann. "We are a young team and have not played with a tournament lead this season. We panicked some, but this was a good learning experience moving forward for the rest of the season. Next time, we will handle the pressure much better.
"I am happy for Maddie win today. She has worked hard in practice. I am glad she was able to accomplish this goal, and this should help her with the rest of her season."
San Jose State next plays at the Mountain View Collegiate, March 23-24, in Tucson, Ariz.