FORT COLLINS, Colo. - The University of Idaho women's golf team opened the 2009 season with a decisive four-stroke victory over host Colorado State and the rest of the field of 16 at the Ptarmigan Ram Fall Classic.
Idaho combined for a five-under 859 as a team. Colorado State was at 863 with Louisville and New Mexico tied for third at 867.
The effort truly was a team one for the Vandals, who were led by sophomores Kayla Mortellaro and Teo Poplawski with top-10 outings and a 14th by senior Amanda Jacobs. Two other sophomores - Annika Karlsson and Frida Nilsson, had closing round 75s.
Mortellaro closed with a two-under 70 for a six-under 210 and a tie for third. Poplawski closed with a 71 after a remarkable 65 during the second round to card a five-under 211 and fifth. Jacobs, who battled injury last season, was steady with rounds of 71-71-75 for a one-over 217 for her 14th-place effort.
That, Johnson said, was the Vandals' plan from the beginning and just what they needed to control the tournament.
