Mississippi State knows how to close golf tournaments.
Though its win at The Blessings Collegiate Invitational wasn't as dramatic as its victory at the
Mason Rudolph Championship a few weeks ago when the Bulldogs overcame a six-shot deficit over the final five holes to steal the team title from Arizona and Vanderbilt, it was just as satisfying.
Entering the final round two shots back of Ole Miss, the Bulldogs saved their best golf for the final round, fashioning a 2-under 286 to pull away from the Rebels and notch a six-shot win over the 2021 NCAA Champions.
Once again, Julia Lopez Ramirez led the Bulldogs' victory march, as the sophomore from Malaga, Spain shook off a second-round 77 to card a final round of 6-under 66 on Wednesday to claim medalist honors with an 8-under total of 208 (65-77-66), which was good for a six-shot win over Andrea Lignell of Ole Miss.
Last year's SEC Freshman of the Year went out in 3-under and started her inward nine with an eagle on the par-5, 525-yard 10th hole. She followed with birdies on holes 12 and 14 en route to a closing 66.
“Yesterday was a tough day for me, so I just practiced a lot between rounds,” Lopez Ramirez told Golfweek. “I got my energy back, as well as my patience, and it paid off.”
The Bulldogs also counted scores from Hannah Levi (71), Isabell Pellot (74) and Ashley Gilliam (75) to lock down their second title of the season.
“The toughness and trust that this team has in themselves is wonderful,” Mississippi State coach Charlie Ewing told Golfweek. “After a day like yesterday, they really trusted themselves, and they responded.
“We have a lot of confidence,” Ewing said. “That’s one thing as a coach, you love to see your team have confidence. But we also hit the golf shots needed to win. I hope they soak this one up.”
ABOUT THE
Blessings Women's Intercollegiate
Debuting in 2020, the Blessings Collegiate Invitational
features men’s and women’s teams competing in a 54-
hole stroke play format for individual and team honors.
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