May 2, 2007

LAKELAND, Fla. - Fourth-ranked West Florida had their sights set on competing for an NCAA II National Championship on their home course at Stonebrook Country Club in Pace, Fla. Unfortunately for head coach Robin Dezarn's Argonauts, they missed their chance by finishing third at the NCAA II South Regional Championships at The Club at Eaglebrooke in Lakeland, Fla. on Wednesday.

Top-ranked Florida Southern won the south regional with a 42-over 906 (298-313-295). Second-ranked Rollins held on to second place with a 47-over 911 (304-307-300). The top two teams and top two individuals not on one of the advancing teams will qualify for the NCAA II Women's National Championships on May 9-12.

West Florida shot a 63-over 927 (304-308-315). The Argonauts finished the second round just one stroke off the lead, but finished today's final round 21 shots behind Florida Southern and 16 shots behind Rollins.

Natalia Espinosa (Bogota, Colombia) finished the tournament as West Florida's top golfer in 12th place. She shot a 15-over 231 (76-72-83). Sarah Nicholson (Cedar Falls, Iowa / Cedar Falls HS) was tied for 14th with a 16-over 232 (75-79-78). Clara Fornella (Montevideo, Uruguay) shot a 19-over 235 (77-79-79) and finished tied for 19th. Vicky Jackson (Ft. Walton Beach, Fla. / Ft. Walton Beach HS) finished 22nd with a 23-over 239 (76-78-85), and Rachel Christ (Charlotte, N.C./Robinson HS) finished 32nd with a 38-over 254 (88-91-75).

Medalist honors were shared by Nova Southeastern's Maria Garcia Austt and Laura Fourdraine of Rollins. Both players shot a four-over par 220 for the tournament, but Fourdraine had to overcome a three-stroke deficit to earn the top spot.

For detailed results check the "schedule/results" page at women's golf on www.goargos.com. All six teams competing in the south regional were ranked nationally in the top seven. The south region was by far the most competitive region in the country.