Women’s Golf Secures Best-Ever Finish at Big Ten Championships

HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. – Rutgers women’s golf finished competition at Big Ten Championships on Sunday afternoon at Bulle Rock Golf Course, tying for 11th place out of 14 teams which marks the program’s best-ever finish at the event. 

Leigha Devine closed out her weekend on a high note, finishing in a tie for 10th for her second straight top-10 finish at the event after she took 5th last season. 

“Today was a tougher day with colder temperatures and challenging hole locations,” head coach Kari Williams said. “We didn’t find as many birdies out here but Leigha, Cathi and Rikke put together great rounds for us. I’m pleased we were able to improve our position on the leaderboard in the final round.”

Round 3 – Sunday, April 21

Weather: Cloudy, Temps in mid-50s, 5-15 mph winds

Rutgers was able to post its second straight score under 300 to finish the tournament at 898 (395-296-297). The team’s strong finish was able to move them up the leaderboard from 13th to T11th, the program’s best-ever finish at Big Ten Championships. 

Leigha Devine posted her second straight round of 1-under 71 to finish the tournament T10, her second straight year in the top 10. She birdies three of her first six holes and added two more on her back nine to finish with five on the day. 

“Playing my last Big Ten Championship was an emotional rollercoaster,” Devine said. “Today was another great day out on the golf course. I hit it well with a few ups and downs but was just trying to take it all in during my final college event. Being a Scarlet Knight and playing for the ‘R’ has been my greatest achievement. What an unbelievable ending to an unmatched journey. Thank you Rutgers Nation!”

Cathi Graf has a strong final day as well, posting her best score of the week with a 1-over 73. She put together a clean round, picking up birdies on No. 16 and No. 4 while adding 13 pars to her scorecard to finish T49. 

Lorena Rossettin followed suit with a T62 finish, birdieing a pair of holes with a 6-over 78 in her final round. Lucrezia Rossettin was right behind her at T67 after a 6-over 79 in her final round. 

Emily James (T72) and Rikke Nordvik (81) rounded out the Scarlet Knights on the individual leaderboard. 

Round 2 – Saturday, April 20

Weather: Mostly Sunny, Temps in mid-60s, 5-15 mph winds

The Scarlet Knights improved on their round one score by nine strokes, shooting a 296 in round two and sitting at 601 (305-296) for the weekend. Leigha Devine posted a team-best score once…