University of South Florida
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Yang Takes Individual Crown at Cards Challenge
March 01, 2011 | Women's Golf
University of South Florida sophomore Shena Yang improved on an already strong season Tuesday by earning her second collegiate victory at the Sir Pizza Cards Challenge outside Miami, Fla. Yang played the Weston Hills Golf Club course in four-under 212 over three days and defeated Nina Muehl of East Tennessee State on the second playoff hole to earn the victory.
“From tee to green, there is not a more consistent college golfer than Shena,” USF head coach Marci Kornegay said. “As a coach you develop instincts about your players, and Shena is a player you can trust to keep her focus, stay disciplined, and score in pressure situations. I'm so proud of her work ethic and what she brings to this team on and off the course.”
Yang entered the round at two-under and one stroke off the lead. She carded four birdies in the round and rallied from two lip-out par putts to shoot 2-under 70. After extending the playoff with a 15-foot birdie on the first hole, she posted par on the next hole to win the event.
A Tampa native, Yang has finished in the top five at four of seven tournaments this season and has not placed worse than 13th. She also won a tournament in the fall of 2009, claiming the individual title at the Pat Bradley Invitational in Ft. Myers, Fla.
“I have to say today was quite unexpected,” Yang said. “I came into this tournament just to play and focus on my game. The wind made it a little tough at times, but I just took it one shot at a time. I'm very proud of the team for shooting a lower score today and happy that I got to share the win with them.”
USF finished in 10th place as a team with a three-round total of 927. After shooting 311 and 313 in the first two rounds, the Bulls carded a 15-over 303 in their final trip around the links.
Karli Heimbecker shot a final-round 79 to finish at 236 and in a tie for 40th, while Emily Van Etten posted a 76 on Tuesday and completed the tournament in 238 strokes to finish in a tie for 45th. Ana Lopez carded a 79 in the final round and a 243 for the week to finish in a tie for 57th, and Kelli pry rebounded from an 83 and 86 in the first two rounds to shoot 78 on Tuesday and finish tied for 67th at 247.
The Bulls return to action on March 11 at the Eagle Landing Invitational outside Jacksonville, Fla.
10. South Florida 311-313-303--927
1. Shena Yang 70-72-70--212
T40. Karli Heimbecker 81-76-79--236
T45. Emily Van Etten 83-79-76--238
T57. Ana Joaquina Lopez 77- 87-79--243
T67. Kelli Pry 83-86-78--247
