FAIRFIELD, Texas – Vanderbilt women’s golf senior Ava Merrill used three-straight birdies in the final five holes to earn co-medalist honors at The Fin at Freestone Lake and Golf Club. Merrill finished the day 2-under-par to post a 5-under mark for the championship. Vanderbilt carded a final round of 5-over-par to finish sixth as a team.
After opening her round on the seventh with birdie, Merrill moved to 1-over in the round with bogeys on the 16th and 18th. She rallied with three-straight birdies on holes no. 2-4 for a 2-under 70 on Wednesday and her first collegiate victory.
“I am so incredibly proud of Ava,” head coach Greg Allen said. “She has been close several times throughout her career but has stayed patient and learned from every missed opportunity. This really says a lot about her growth and maturity. She played at a high level this week on a demanding golf course. “
Claire Henson joined Merrill under par in Wednesday’s final round with a 1-under 71. Henson posted four birdies in the round. Elizabeth Rudisill, playing as an individual, was the second highest finishing Commodore at The Fin. Rudisill closed her week with a 2-over round to finish in a tie for 11th overall at 5-over-par.
“It was nice to see Claire put together an under-par round and that really helped us end on a positive note as we head into the off season,” Allen said. “We definitely have plenty to work on, but I also believe we have what it takes to be a team that can be really good.”
Sara Im and Olivia Wood both posted 4-over final rounds while Angelina Tolentino finished 8-over Wednesday.
Vanderbilt finished sixth on the team leaderboard at The Fin. The Commodores’ 5-over final round was the second-best of the day. Vandy closed the week at 29-over on the firm greens of Freestone Lake and Golf Club.
The Commodores will return to action in January at the Dominican Republic Classic.