Cnops, Spartans enjoy record-breaking wins at Palmetto Intercollegiate

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. — UNCG shot 292 during the final round of the Palmetto Intercollegiate to win its first tournament in three years and freshman Fanny Cnops shattered another school record en route to a four-stroke victory, Tuesday at Oak Point. This was the final tournament of the fall for the Spartans.

The Spartans finished tournament play at 875 (293-290-292) edging second-place Maryland (882) by seven strokes in the 18-team field. For the second straight tournament UNCG set a school record for lowest 54-hole team score, breaking the previous mark by 15 strokes. Two weeks ago the Spartans shot 890 at the Lady Pirate Intercollegiate.

"We finally broke through," said head coach Emily Marron. "We've been close to winning the last few weeks and we finally got one. I can't say enough good things about this team. We've gotten a little bit better every week and it showed this weekend. What a great way to end the fall season."

The team victory is the first for the Saprtans since winning at the Starmount Classic in October 2008.

Cnops burned up Oak Point on Tuesday, tying a school-record by shooting 5-under par 67 and finishing tournament play with a UNCG 54-hole record score of 7-under 209 (70-72-67). She is the first Spartan to earn individual medalist honors at any tournament in eight years.

Cnops started her day by finishing the second round, which was suspended due to darkness on Sunday. Starting on No. 4, Cnops opened her final round with back-to-back birdies. After a bogey on the par 4 sixth hole, Cnops played the final 15 holes in 4-under to earn not only her first career victory, but her fourth straight top 10 finish.

"Fanny is a special talent," said Marron. "I'm running out of things to say about her. What's been amazing is how the rest of the team has rallied around her and elevated their play. She's been a pleasure to coach and watch this fall, and I can't wait to see what's ahead."

But it wasn't just all Cnops for the Spartans. Ana Lucia Martinez earned her second top-10 effort of the season by finishing in a three-way tie for third at 1-over 217 (72-70-75). Martinez shot a career-best 70 in the second round and her third-place finish is the best of her career.

Begona Sarabia joined Cnops and Martinez in the top 20, finishing tied for 13th at 223 (78-72-73).

Courtney Taylor tied for 35th at 228 (75-76-77), while Berglind Bjornsdottir tied for 53rd at 234 (76-77-81).

1     UNCG     293-290-292=875
1     Fanny Cnops      70-72-67=209
T3     Ana Lucia Martinez      72-70-75=217
T14     Begona Sarabia      78-72-73=223
T35     Courtney Taylor      75-76-77=228
T53     Berglind Bjornsdottir      76-77-81=234

- UNCG -