OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City University secured its first victory of the 2009-10 season in the Oklahoma City Star Classic presented by Cusack Meats on Tuesday at Lincoln Park Golf Course.
The five-time defending NAIA women’s golf champion Stars fired a 306-308–614 to beat Savannah Art & Design (Ga.) by eight strokes. Laura Jones, a junior from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, England, paced OCU with a third-place finish.
“It’s a great ending to our fall season,” OCU coach M.J. Desbiens said. “I’m proud of our youngsters on the team because it shows we have a lot of potential. We also have some things to work on after the fall season. I’m looking forward to a strong winter break.”
Jones carded a 77-73–150 to end three shots behind Charlotte Guilleux of Wayland Baptist (Texas). Jones sank a tournament-high six birdies, including birdies on holes 6, 8 and 18 on Tuesday.
“Laura Jones came back really strong coming off a tough tournament last week,” Desbiens said.
Taylor Howard, a freshman from Ada, Okla., turned in a 75-77–152 for a fourth-place finish for the Stars. Howard buried a birdie on the par-4 17th hole Tuesday.
Paige Martin, a junior from Ardmore, Okla., tied for fifth with a 74-80–154. Martin birdied the par-5 seventh hole in the second round.
Morgan Gay contributed an 80-78–158, and Madison Haley shot 84-81–165 for OCU.
OCU individuals Alisha Jenkins and Tanya Tibshraeny each shot a 77-80–157. Mary Larsh recorded an 82-82–164.
Temperatures reached the mid-50s, and a light drizzle fell on the par-71, 6,122-yard course. The grounds were wet.
The Stars finished the fall season and will look forward to the spring season. OCU will host the Sooner Athletic Conference Championships at River Oaks Golf Club in Edmond, Okla., on April 26-27 before competing in the NAIA Championships on May 25-28 in Rapid City, S.D.
