Fresno State
Fresno State Lexus Invitational
Dogs Third at Lexus
3/2/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
March 2, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - Angie Cates-Moore couldn't be happier with the way her team is improving. With their hard work and dedication, she's seen improvement from her Bulldogs each time out. For the Fresno State women's golf team, that included a strong third place finish in the Fresno Lexus Classic held at the beautiful Copper River Country Club on Monday and Tuesday.
Cates-Moore, who founded the Fresno State program six years ago, led her team to its best tournament of the season. The Dogs shot a three round total of 34-over par (301-296-301--898) to finish five strokes ahead of Gonzaga, which finished fourth. No. 23 UC Davis won the event at 16-over par.
"Coming into this tournament I was worried because most of the teams in the field were ranked ahead of us," Cates-Moore said. "But we really battled out there, especially today in some tough conditions and I'm pleased with a third-place finish. Each week we seem to be getting better. The Stanford tournament prepared us for this and this tournament will prepare us for next week. That's what we want. I want us to keep getting stronger as the season goes on. It's nice to see them get rewarded with a trophy for their hard work."
The course was hit with heavy winds and rain for most of the second nine-holes Tuesday. Battling through it was Hali Coppin, who had two birdies and a par over her final three holes. Coppin, a senior, tied for sixth place to lead the Dogs.
After struggling early with a front nine score of 41, she shot 2-under par on the back nine with seven pars and two birdies.
"Hali played great the whole tournament," said Cates-Moore. "We are really happy for her. She had a tough front nine, but really battled the elements on the back and to finish the last three holes with three straight 3s was a great effort."
Sophomore Louisa Lies shot her best round on Tuesday with and even-par round of 72. She made six birdies in her first 13 holes. She finished in 11th place at 5-over par for the tournament , her best finish of the season.
"I know she was frustrated with the way she finished, but she shot even par and these conditions is a great score," said Cates-Moore.
The Dogs got strong support from Lindi Covarrubias, who tied for 23rd, Maria Pia Escandon, tied for 38th, and Shaylee Yano, who had her best round of the tournament with a 76 on Tuesday, moved into a tie for 48th place.
Cates-Moore also praised the Copper River Country Club, its staff and the many volunteers who helped with the event.
"I truly believe this is one of the best tournaments in the country," she said. "We play on a world-class course and the pro shop staff does a great job in the operation of the tournament and the volunteers make it go. We are very fortunate."
"We are Your Team!" The Bulldogs head to the Bay area to play in the annual Juli Inkster Invitational hosted by San Jose State March 8-9.
Players Mentioned
