Lamar sports information

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — After claiming two runner-up finishes this season, the Lamar women’s golf team won its first tournament of the season on Monday afternoon. Lamar took home the team title from the Babs Steffens Invitational hosted by Stetson at the LPGA International – Hills Course.

“I’m so proud of our effort today. We have been really focusing on our attitudes, and they did a great job of keeping their head in the right place,” stated head coach Jessica Steward. “That was what was most important to me for this tournament, so to bring home the win is a much welcomed bonus.

The Cardinals 37-over par 901 (297-307-297) for the tournament taking home the team crown. LU finished five shots in front of Bradley who came in second at 42-over par. Bradley’s Taylor Ledwein took home the individual crown as she was one-over par for the tournament. Full team and individual leaderboards can be found by clicking here.

The final round of 297 tied for the eighth best round of the season for the Cardinals. Lamar now has seven top-five finishes this season.

Entering the final 18 holes tied for the lead, Laura Pasalodos-Barcelo earned a second-place finish at the tournament. She shot a final round of four-over par 78. She finished three shots behind Ledwein for the individual crown. Pasalodos-Barcelo shot four-over par 220 (68-76-76) for the tournament. This was Pasalodos-Barcelo first top five finish of the season and the 220 is her lowest score at a 54-hole tournament.

“Today didn’t exactly go the way Laura was hoping, but she fought hard all the way in,” coach Steward said. “She had lots of birdie opportunities but just had trouble dropping some putts. I hope this tournament gives her the confidence she needs to finish out this year strong.”

Coming in second and third for the Cardinals was Elodie Chapelet and Eva Martinez. Both Chapelet and Martinez finished tied for fifth. Chapelet has five top five finishes this season, while Martinez has three.

Chapelet saved her best round for last as she fired a run of two-under par 70 in the final round. She now has nine rounds at par or better this season. With her round of two-under she improved six spots on the leaderboard. She finished the tournament seven-over par 223 (78-75-70).

Martinez improved two spots on the leaderboard on the final day. She shot a final round of one-over par 73. For the tournament she was seven-over par 223 (74-76-73). This is Martinez second top five finish of the spring season.

“Having three players in the top 5 is a great accomplishment,” remarked coach Steward. “Eva had a solid tournament and I was glad to see Elodie come back with a good round.”

Coming in fourth for the Cardinals was Brooke Duzan. She shot a round of six-over par 78 in the final round. She was 23-over par 239 (77-83-78) for the tournament for a tied for 38th place finish, her second-best of the season.

Rounding out the Red and White was Stephanie Banach. In the final round, Banach shot her second straight round of eight-over par 80. She finished the 54-hole tournament 27-over par 243 (83-80-80) and tied for 50th.

Big Red returns to action on Monday, April 1 when they host the Lamar Cardinal Challenge at Eagle Pointe Golf Club in Mont Belvieu. The 54-hole tournament begins with 36 holes on Monday.