Ducks Win Baja Classic

Senior Kim McCready won her first collegiate tournament Tuesday and enjoyed her sixth collegiate career top-10 finish. Photo: goducks.com

BAJA CALIFORNIA, Mexico - The No. 47-ranked University of Oregon women’s golf team held onto their first-day lead in final round action Tuesday and won the Baja Classic at the Bajamar Resort.

The Ducks shot a 311 second round to win by three strokes after they opened with a 298 Monday.

Tuesday’s early action featured the remainder of the second round that began Monday afternoon but was halted due to fog – a similar problem that also unexpectedly cancelled the third round later Tuesday morning.

Oregon edged No. 44 Louisville (second, 305-307-612), while No. 37 Birmingham Southern and Colorado tied for third at 620.

Senior Kim McCready also proved victorious Tuesday in the 36-hole event by a five-stroke margin (3-over 145) after a 75 second round and 70 opening round Monday.

The Placerville, Calif., native has led UO in six of her last nine rounds, including a school record 4-under 67 to cap the fall in the Stanford Intercollegiate last October.

“I’m really ecstatic for Kim,” Oregon head coach Shannon Rouillard said. “She’s had a lot of challenges and obstacles returning from some back injuries that slowed her last spring. I am really excited to see her come through today. She’s been playing really well, and it was a continuation from a great fall season finale at Stanford (last October)."

Behind McCready, Louisville’s Adrienne White and Birmingham Southern’s Jordan Hardy tied for second at 150.

Other Ducks that scored Tuesday included freshman Felicia Eastick (154, 76-78), sophomore Cathryn Bristow (159, 81-78) and freshman Kate Hildahl (157, 77-80), while junior Victoria Wenslow rounded out the UO contingent (159, 75-84).

Three Ducks also continued play as individuals Tuesday – senior Therese Wenslow (162, 81-81), sophomore Blair Ressler (164, 81-83) and freshman Cathleen Ward (178, 89-89).

"The team got the season off on the right foot," Rouillard said, "and starting a little earlier in the spring proved to be worthwhile. It was a little challenging to be called and off the course because of the fog which came and went, but they pulled through.”

Further official team results and individual placings were unavailable Tuesday evening.

Oregon was one of several highly-ranked teams in the 17-team field along with No. 37 Birmingham Southern, No. 39 Nebraska, No. 44 Louisville and No. 52 Memphis.

Other teams on hand include Boise State, Colorado, East Carolina, Kansas, Kansas State, Kentucky, Northern Illinois, UNC Greensboro, Oral Roberts, UC Riverside, Southern Mississippi and Texas Tech.

Next up, the Ducks have three weeks off until their next competition, the Fresno State Invitational, Mon.-Tue., Feb 26th- 27th at Copper River Country Club in Fresno, Calif.

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