The Youngstown State women's golf team put together a strong final round in its spring season opener at the two-day Columbia Classic, which concluded on Sunday at Duran Golf Club in Melbourne, Fla.
The Penguins recorded a final-round team score of 294 (+6) in the final session on Sunday to finish its first event of the spring slate with a three-round total of 911. YSU finished 10th in the team standings after opening the tournament with rounds of 302 and 315 in the first two rounds, respectively, on Saturday.
Neeranuch Prajunpanich paced the Penguins individually, finishing tied for 24th in the 71-player field with a three-round score of 227 (74-77-76). The sophomore's two-over-par 74 in the opening round featured 12 pars and a pair of birdies as she fired a one-under-par 35 on the back nine.
Freshman Sofia Perez Escarcena finished tied for 31st with a three-round total of 228 (75-77-76) while Maddi Shoults finished tied for 43rd with a three-round 231 (80-81-70). The junior moved up 17 spots on the individual leaderboard after carding a two-under-par 70 in the final session that featured 12 pars and four birdies.
Valentina Peña Anaya also enjoyed a strong final round as she turned in an even-par 72 that included 14 pars and two birdies. The freshman fired a one-under-par 35 during a bogey-free front nine. Peña Anaya concluded the event with a three-round score of 235 (83-80-72).
Lizzie Saur finished the spring season opener with a three-round total of 236 (73-81-82). The senior highlighted YSU's strong final round with an ace from 148 yards out on the par-3 No. 4 at Duran Golf Club. Saur's one-over-par 73 in the opening session included 15 pars and a birdie on the par-5 No. 9.
Illinois State claimed the tournament title at four over par with a three-round team total of 868 while Princeton finished as the runner-up with an 872. Princeton's Catherine Rao earned medalist honors by three shots at six under par with a three-round score of 210 (73-69-68).
Youngstown State will continue the spring portion of its 2024-25 season on March 3-4 with the Howard University Invitational at Hawkstone Country Club in Gainesville, Fla.
For the latest news and updates throughout the spring season, follow @YSUWomensGolf on X and Instagram.
