SPRINGVILLE, Utah — University of Wyoming sophomore Cristiana Ciasca shot a career-best round of 68 (3 under par) Tuesday to claim a share of the tournament title at the Hobble Creek Fall Classic hosted by Utah Valley University.
Ciasca, who tied Jocelyn Chee of California Baptist for the win, moved up from seventh place with the help of birdies on the 16th and 17th holes and an eagle on the 18th to finish at even par with 213 after three rounds for the third lowest individual event score in Cowgirls history.
She entered the final round at Hobble Creek Golf Course after rounds of 69 and 76 on Monday. This is the first collegiate tournament win for Ciasca and her first finish inside the top 10.
The most recent Cowgirl to take medalist honors at a 54-hole tournament was in 2017 by Gabrielle Gibson at the FIU Pat Bradley in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. Gibson shot a 211 (5 under) to win the individual title.
“I’m thrilled for Cristiana and couldn’t be more proud of the work she has put in to earn this victory,” UW coach Josey Stender said. “The team played confident and calculated all day. To finish with the low round of the day and within five shots of the win says a lot about their determination.”
The Cowgirls were fifth as a team among 17 teams after recording rounds of 299, 294 and a school-best 290 in the final round to finish the tournament at 883. Cal State Fullerton won the team title with an 878, followed by New Mexico State (879), Northern Arizona (880) and Cal Poly (882).
UW senior Erin Sargent saved her best for the final round when she posted a 71. After rounds of 75 and 74 on Monday, she finished tied for 15th with 220. Sophomore Michelle Nguyen carded a final round 75 and a total 225 to place 34th.
Sophomore Samantha Hui closed out the tournament with a 75 and for a total of 229. Junior Caitlyn Skavdahl wrapped up with a 79 and 236.
Playing individually, freshman Morgan Ryan turned in an 88 in her first tournament with a total of 240, followed by fellow freshman Jessica Zapf carding a career-best 76 for a total of 241.
The Cowgirls will next play Sept. 23-24 at the CSU Ram Fall Classic in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Roberts earns MW honor
UW senior cross-country runner Paul Roberts was named Tuesday as the Mountain West men’s cross-country athlete of the week. It is the third MW weekly award of his career and first this season.
Roberts was also named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s national athlete of the week on Monday.
Roberts won the Wyoming Invite in Cheyenne in a field of 72 athletes that included 2018 NCAA top-10 finishers Joe Klecker and John Dressel from Colorado. Roberts finished the 5-kilometer course in 15 minutes, 05.3 seconds, two seconds faster than the same race last season and seven seconds faster than second place at this year’s event.
Robert’s effort helped guide the No. 16-ranked Cowboys to the top of the team standings with 47 points. UW defeated No. 4-ranked Colorado by four points and No. 17-ranked Colorado State by nine points.
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