PORT ST. LUCIE, FLA. – Bethune-Cookman University's
Yudika Rodriguez went out with a flourish Sunday at the PGA Works Collegiate Championship.
In her final event as a Lady Wildcat, Rodriguez posted her career 54-hole low with a 69-67-72-208 (eight under par) as the women won a record eighth straight -- and 16th overall -- women's Division I crown in the event formerly known as the National Minority Golf Championship.
BCU easily outdistanced Texas A&M-Kingsville, 873-925.
Rodriguez finished six shots ahead of freshman teammate
Caitlin Evans-Brand, whose second under par round of the tournament helped her finish with a 73070-71 214.Â
Sumie Francois (77-72-75-224) tied for third while
Isabela Miravite (75-75-78-228) finished fifth and
Isabell Friberg (76-75-79-230) tied for seventh.
"This wasn't one lucky weekend, Yudika worked to get this point," said BCU Head Coach
Danny Forshey. "This was a combination of hard work and making the commitment to conditioning … it all came to fruition."
Rodriguez won her fourth tournament of the year and eighth of her career. Her previous 54-hole low was a 214 at this year's Lady Cat Invitational at LPGA International.
"It means a lot to me, I'm a senior and this was my last tournament," Rodriguez said. "I've been working on my swing and my putting was working as well."
The Wildcat men won their fourth straight title and 11
th overall event title, though inclement weather wiped out the final round scores Sunday. BCU led Florida A&M 590-594 after 36 holes and had increased that lead to 21 when play was suspended.
Marcus Sundlof was making a late charge – he was five under after 14 on Sunday – and had closed to two shots of Rosario Falzone of Tennessee State.
Competing as individuals,
Ana Ferreyra Heit finished second with a 74-75-72-221 while
Dante Davis (76-78-74-228) tied for eighth.
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