Rico places second in Oregon

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Juanita Rico led the way for the University of Wyoming golf program as she placed second in the combined men’s and women’s Giustina Memorial Classic. The tournament, hosted by Oregon State, concluded on Tuesday with the Cowgirls finishing in third and the Cowboys tied for eighth.

Rico headed into the final round in second place and was able to hold on with her final round 76 (+4), giving her a three round total 223 (+7). This marks the best career tournament finish for Rico.

Rico was paired with Cowboy teammate Gabe Maier, who was the men’s best finisher in the tournament. Maier tied for 14th with a three-round total of 217 (+1).

Two other Cowgirls finished in the top-15 of the tournament. Molly Black was 12th with a two day total of 231 (+15), while Sarah Fogerty was right on her heels with a 13th place total of 232 (+16).

As a team, the Cowgirls turned in a third place finish by shooting a final round 309 (+21). The Cowgirls finished with a three-round scorecard of 926 (+62). This marks their best finish this season.

The Cowboys closed out the tournament with a final round 299 (+11), to give them a three-round total of 899 (+35).

“Everyone stepped up when we needed it as a team,” said Cowgirl head coach Josey Stender. “Not only was this tournament a nice boost for our morale, but gives us some confidence as we head into CU next week.”

“Juanita did a great job and we are very proud of the way she led our school in this tournament,” added UW director of golf Joe Jensen. “As a whole, the girls had a very good tournament and came away with a solid third place finish.

“This tournament was a neat experience having the men and women playing together. We have a tight knit group, with both our teams spending a lot of time together, which I think was an advantage for us. I think the men really stepped up and helped the girls, knowing that they were in contention.”

Oregon won the women’s team title with a three-round scorecard of 896 (+32). Oregon State won the men’s draw with a three-round total of 844 (-20).

Individually, Oregon’s Kendra Little won the women’s title with a 214 (-2). Washington State’s Trent Sanders was the men’s individual medalist with a total score of 207 (-9).

The Cowgirl golf team will return to action Oct. 5-6, as they head to the CU/Heather Farr Memorial in Erie, Colo. The Cowboys will get back on the course next Monday and Tuesday as they host the second annual University of Wyoming Desert Intercollegiate in Palm Desert, Calif.