The Panthers following their fourth straight tournament win. If there were such thing as a tournament grand slam in NCAA Division II women’s golf, the Florida Tech Panthers have just completed it following their nine-stroke victory at the Saint Leo Invitational on Tuesday. The tournament title marked the fourth time the Panthers finished atop the standings in four tournaments this fall. (Florida Tech image)
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – If there were such thing as a tournament grand slam in NCAA Division II women’s golf, the Florida Tech Panthers have just completed it following their nine-stroke victory at the Saint Leo Invitational on Tuesday.
The tournament title marked the fourth time the Panthers finished atop the standings in four tournaments this fall.
Chris Saltmarsh
“The girls played some great golf,” said head coach Chris Saltmarsh.
“Yesterday, 292, was an excellent start. Today’s 297 was really good, but to be honest with you, I think we could’ve shot 292 again had everybody not bogeyed the 18th hole. One of our goals is to make sure we break 300. Breaking 300 was difficult a year ago. Doing it in both rounds just shows the maturity of this group from top to bottom.”
To add icing on the cake, junior Felicia Leftinger outlasted Barry’s Francesca Perini on the third playoff hole to secure the individual crown.
She stumbled a bit down the stretch by bogeying two of the final three holes, but maintained her poise and composure and was able to sink an eight-foot putt for par to claim the championship. Overall, Leftinger finished at two-under 142 for the tournament, making a combined 10 birdies in the process.
Felicia Leftinger
“I’m super proud of Felicia,” said Saltmarsh.
“She played some incredible golf over the last couple days. She missed some shots coming down the stretch, but that’s one of the things that’s going to keep her fueling the flame. It’s certainly nice to watch her play three holes in the playoff and eventually win.”
In addition to Leftinger, sophomores Guro Rambjoer and Karolyne Shieh both carded a five-over 149, good enough to finish in a tie for seventh. Rachel Polson and Johanna Larsson wrapped up tournament play in ties for 11th and 24th, respectively.
Florida Tech will now turn its focus towards the spring season, where a No. 1 preseason ranking is expected.
“There’s a lot of goals still to be set and obtained, but I believe these girls are ready for that,” said Saltmarsh. “Right now, four in a row is something special. Hopefully we get an opportunity to keep that ball rolling going into the spring.”
