Jackie Lucena recorded a hole-in-one behind Florida’s best finish of the season.
MELBOURNE, Fla. – Jackie Lucena shot a hole-in-one as the Florida women’s golf team leaped three spots to take third and finish 18-under at the Moon Golf Invitational on Tuesday.
The round three efforts were led by Lucena, who tied her career-low with a 66 (-6) on the final day becoming to second Gator to do this tournament. In her first 15 holes, she made six birdies highlighted by a hole-in-one on 16 (par 3, 168 yards). Making the ace with an 8-iron, she went birdie-birdie on 17 and 18 to end 6-under on the back. Lucena finished T5 at 8-under with a career-low 54-hole score of 208.
Entering the day 14 strokes back from the lead, the Gators combined for 6-under on the day with a final round of 282 for a season-best score of 846 (-18), tied for sixth all-time in program history. Florida cut the lead all the way to three strokes after shooting 10-under on the back, but No. 9 LSU held on to win the tournament at 30-under.
The outing marked a season best finish for the Gators and the best all-time at the Moon Golf Invitational. All six players, combined for -20 on the back nine.
Not posting a round over par was Annabell Fuller finishing 9-under in 4th. She had rounds of 66-69-72 for her third top-5 finish this year and only had three bogeys in 54 holes. She is one more top-10 finish away for her third consecutive season of four.
One of four Gators to have a 72 (E) today was Marina Escobar (T32) who ended even overall with a 216. A stroke back was Maisie Filler and Karoline Tuttle tied for 42nd followed by individual Taylor Roberts in T57.
The Gators host the 51st VyStar Credit Union Gators Invitational (March 4-5) followed by the last two regular-season tournaments.
Quotable
Head Coach Emily Glaser…
On the team’s performance..
“I’m really happy to see the perseverance of this group after a tough outing last week. Every week we are learning and getting better. We will continue to keep our eyes forward and are excited to compete at home in a few weeks.”
On Annabell Fuller and Jackie Lucena…
“Another great tournament from Annabell, she’s been working hard and is very motivated. I’m happy for Jackie to have a nice finish also. She’s been patient with her game and it paid off this week. “
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