NSU Sharks News

Collins Leads NSU To Victory At USF/Waterlefe Invitational

Junior All-American Taylor Collins Wins Individual Title By Seven Strokes

athletic pic BRADENTON, Fla. (Oct. 6, 2009) Led by the effort of junior All-American Taylor Collins, the Nova Southeastern University women's golf team won the USF/Waterlefe Invitational by six strokes on Tuesday afternoon.

Collins (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) won her first collegiate tournament, taking the individual title by seven strokes. After carding a 70 in the opening round, Collins shot a career best 69 in the second round to add to her lead. She finished the tournament with a 71, concluding play with a six under-par 210.

"I'm happier than anyone could possibly know," said Collins. "I've been working really hard and it paid off in this tourney with my first win and three consecutives rounds under par. I'm elated"

The Sharks won their fourth consecutive tournament, which marks their ninth victory in their last 11 competitions over the past two years. NSU (877, +13) finished six shots better than Campbell (883, +19) and 16 strokes better than host South Florida (893, +29). Stetson (+38, 902) and Daytona State (919, +55) rounded out the top five.

Freshman Abbey Gittings (Tamworth, England) came in 10th place after rounds of 77, 72 and 73. She finished with a six over-par score (222). Right behind was two-time NCAA Division II Player of the Year Sandra Changkija (Jr., Orlando, Fla.) in a tie for 12th place. Changkija finished at eight over-par (224). Three-time All-American Maria Garcia Austt (Sr., Montevideo, Uruguay) followed in 15th place at nine over-par (225). Junior Fredrika Hakansson (Coral Springs, Fla.) came in a tie for 22nd place (230).

"I've always been impressed with this team's insatiable desire to win," assistant coach Amanda Brown said. "Every single person significantly contributed to our three-day team total. They were prepared going into this tournament due to their outstanding work ethic on the course and in the gym. I'm very proud of them for this much-deserved win."

NSU returns home to host the NSU Shark Invitational at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. from October 12-13.