KAPALUA, Maui – University of Hawai'i junior
Kaci Masuda captured the Anuenue Spring Break Classic title by three strokes after a final round 70 Wednesday at Kapalua's Bay Course.
Masuda, a Pearl City, O'ahu native, is UH's first medalist since Eimi Koga captured the 2015 Hobble Creek Classic. Her final score of 4-under 212 was three strokes better than runner-up Lauren Hartlage of Louisville, who finished at 1-under 215.
UH and Louisville finished the three-day tournament at 879, however the Cardinals captured the championship trophy due to a tie-breaker. Hawai'i held a two-stroke lead heading into Wednesday's final round but for the second straight day, had to play with only a four-person line-up as freshman
Sahara Washington's illness forced her to withdraw again. Hawai'i shot a final round 300 and its 879 total was its best score of the season and best finish at the sixth annual Anuenue Classic.
UH freshman
Emma Lower was fifth overall after a final round 78. The Mesa, Ariz., got off to a slow start but battled back, going 2-over on her final 15 holes. Her total is her best 54-hole score of the season and second Top 5 finish of the season.
Sophomore
Megan Ratcliffe shot a final round 79 to finish in a tie for 26
th at 225 while freshman
Tyra Tonkham posted a 1-over 73 for a 226 total and tie for 32
nd. Senior
Lauren Kirkwood, who was forced to withdraw on Tuesday due to an injury, shot 81 as an individual.
Masuda is just the sixth medalist in program history and third in the last five years joining Koga and
Izzy Leung (2014 OSU Invitational). UH's last team title occurred at the 2015 Hobble Creek Classic.
The Rainbow Wahine will next compete in the Big West Conference Championship, April 15-17 in Irvine, Calif.
