Women’s Golf Freshman Sam Wagner Shines at Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championships, Gators Finish Fifth

Tuesday, September 22

Knoxville, TN

Florida Gators

Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championships

Women’s Golf Freshman Sam Wagner Shines at Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championships, Gators Finish Fifth

Tuesday, September 22, 2015 | Women's Golf

The Florida women's golf team concluded play at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate Championships in Knoxville, Tenn., on Tuesday. On the strength of a collegiate-best finish, freshman Sam Wagner led the Gators by placing third with a 3-under par (210) tournament score.

The Orange and Blue survived the final day holding its position and finishing fifth +21 (873) among the 14-team field. Junior Maria Torres was among the top 25 for the second-straight tournament, tying for 13th at +4 (217).

Kent State took home the team title, finishing at 5-under par, nine strokes ahead of second-place tournament-host Tennessee. Kent State's Taylor Kim and NC State's India Clyburn each carded 6-under for the tournament, with Kim earning medalist honors after a playoff at the par-71 Cherokee Country Club 5,870-yard course.

Head Coach Emily Glaser:

On the Gators' play at their second tournament of the season:

“We struggled a bit today, and it wasn't the way we wanted to finish. You had to have a good game plan for this golf course, and stick to it no matter the circumstances. We didn't do that very well, and it's a lesson learned for our team. The good news is that this golf course exposed some weaknesses that need to be addressed, and we have a clear picture of what we need to work on before we head to Chicago.”

On Sam Wagner finishing third:

“Sam had a great week. The best players I've been around still make mistakes, but the difference is - they are quick learners. I would put Sam in that category. She has a very good understanding of her golf game, and how to manage her way around the course. She learned last week in Charleston, and was able to put a lot of that in play this week.”

On lessons learned this week:

“It says a lot about our team that we have a sophomore and freshman in contention in the first two events of the season. I'm really excited about this team, and our potential. With a commitment to getting better every day, we will accomplish great things.”

Freshman Sam Wagner:

On improving between her first two collegiate tournaments:

“Last week (at the Cougar Classic) I struggled a lot, I finished 35th - which is alright, but definitely not how I wanted to play. This week was a lot better. I've just got to keep improving, and working on getting better every day.”

Final Florida Scores:

Team:

1. Kent State -5 (847)

2. Tennessee +4 (856)

3. Iowa State +5 (857)

4. Ohio State +16 (868)

5. FLORIDA +21 (873)

Players:

3. Sam Wagner -3 (210)

T13. Maria Torres +4 (217)

T30. Karolina Vlckova +9 (222)

T44. Taylor Tomlinson +12 (225)