St. John's University Athletics
St. John's University
BIG EAST Championship
Lee Wins BIG EAST Championship After Four-Hole Playoff
4/19/2011 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
April 19, 2011
PALM HARBOR, Fla. - St. John's freshman phenom Harin Lee won the first BIG EAST Women's Golf individual championship in school history in thrilling fashion on Tuesday, beating Lousiville's AnnaKarin Ljungstrom in a four-hole playoff at Innisbrook Resort & Spa's Island Course. The Red Storm women's golf team took fifth place.
Lee finished with a 73-69-79--221 (+5) through the first 54 holes at the par-72, 6,205-yard course to tie Ljungstrom, whose 1-over 73 was the best final-round score, and force a playoff. The playoff was on holes no. 17, 18, 1 and 2 and both players traded pars through the first three. On the par-5, 475-yard second hole, Ljungstrom hit into the bunker and double-bogeyed while Lee made par to win her third individual title in just 10 career collegiate events. The magnitude of winning the BIG EAST Championship still has not completely hit Lee as the Red Storm rushed out of Innisbrook to catch its flight back to New York.
"It means a lot," Lee said shortly after receiving her third first-place trophy of the year. "I really don't know right now. Right after the awards ceremony, we had to run to catch the flight!"
Lee's individual BIG EAST title is the second conference championship in St. John's women's golf history. In 2005, the Red Storm won the league's team championship at Warren Golf Course in South Bend, Ind.
Lee's 39 pars for the tournament tied for the most in the 40-player field. Her outstanding 4.50 (-6) scoring average on the par 5s led all players while her 4.27 (+8) average on par 4s tied for fourth and 3.25 (+3) average on par 3s tied for 16th. She also had the tournament's lone eagle and four birdies. Lee's 3-under 69 in Monday's second round tied for the lowest round in BIG EAST Women's Golf Championship history. Her 2-under 142 is the best score through 36 holes in conference tournament history.
Lee has had an outstanding freshman campaign with three tournament titles, nine top-10 performances in 10 events, eight top-5 showings, seven top-3 finishes and a 75.04 scoring average. The Bayside, N.Y., native admits that her success this year has exceeded her expectations.
"My goal for four years was to win five tournaments, but I already have three," Lee said. "My goal was just to get top 10 at the BIG EAST Championship. It's just pretty cool."
The Red Storm finished with a 319-312-325--956 (+87) to take fifth place. Notre Dame took the team title with a 38-over 902.
Sophomore Sebin Kim took 25th place after shooting 82-79-82--243 (+27). Kim played her best golf on the par 5s, posting a 5.17 (+2) average to tie for 13th. Kim has six top-25 finishes on the year.
Junior Ellen Oswald tied for 29th after carding a 81-83-83--247 (+31). Oswald's 30 pars tied for 13th. Freshman Stephanie Eybers took 32nd place after improving each round to finish at 85-84-81--250 (+34). Eybers' 26 pars tied for 21st and her 5.25 (+3) scoring average on par 5s ranked 16th. Sophomore Mariana Barrios finished 35th after carding an 82-81-92--256 (+40). Barrios' 5.33 (+4) par-5 scoring average tied for 17th.
Players Mentioned
