Sun Devil Women's Golf Wins the Match in the Desert

Season Preview | Round One Recap | 2021 Schedule

GOLD CANYON, Ariz. – The No. 4 Sun Devil Women's Golf team opened the 2021 season with a victory at the Match in the Desert, defeating No. 7 UCLA and Denver at Superstition Mountain Golf Club.
 
Arizona State battled extremely cold and windy conditions on Monday, playing with poise and confidence down the stretch cruising to a season-opening victory. The Maroon and Gold finished 14 strokes ahead of second place, dominating the field despite experiencing harsh weather for all 36 holes. 
 
Alexandra Forsterling and Linn Grant split Individual medalist honors, shooting 143 (-1) to claim the title. Four of the top-six finishers were Sun Devils, as Head Coach Missy Farr-Kaye's squad demonstrated why they are considered one of the top teams in the country. The average round for a Sun Devil was 72.5, compared to a 75.5 stroke average from the rest of the field. 
 
"I am so happy for Lexi and Linn getting the win for our first tournament of the season," Coach Missy Farr-Kaye remarked. "It took tremendous determination and resilience to finish strong in some of the most challenging conditions I have ever experienced in college golf!"
 
The toughness and focus of the Sun Devil Women's Golf team proved to be the difference, as they navigated hail, wind, rain, cold, and eventually snow in Gold Canyon to claim the program's fifth consecutive Team Championship in this event.
 
"It was a great feeling to be back out on the course and competing with my teammates," Alexandra Forsterling commented after the match. "I am thrilled to be able to share the Individual Champion with Linn and even happier that we were able to win the Team title. I am proud of the way we battled through the weather to finish strong."
 
The first-place finish is the highest of Fosterling's career, as she started strong with two birdies in the first five holes. For Grant, it is her second consecutive Individual title, after winning the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational at the end of last season.
 
Reigning-event champion Alessandra Fanali (+1/145) continued her success at Superstition Mountain Golf Club, finishing in the top-five thanks to a consistent second round. Olivia Mehaffey (+2/146) contributed to the team win with a solid effort earning her sixth place, as she had a team-high four birdies today. In just her fifth appearance as a Sun Devil, Amanda Linner finished tied for seventh in an 18-golfer field and had five birdies over the two rounds.  
 
 

 
 "This was a great opportunity for our team to get some reps in to get ready for the Sun Devil Winter Classic in February," Coach Farr-Kaye added.
 
UP NEXT
The Sun Devils now prepare the host the first-ever Sun Devil Winter Classic at Talking Stick Golf Club at Talking Stick Resort and Casino in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event takes place February 15-17 and will feature three 18-hole rounds with an extremely competitive field. Stay tuned to our website and social media platforms for more information on the tournament.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW
For the latest updates and information on the Sun Devil Women's Golf program, follow our Twitter/Instagram accounts (@SunDevilWGolf), like our Facebook page (facebook.com/sundevilwgolf/), and visit our website (thesundevils.com).