PENSACOLA, Fla. – University of South Alabama women’s golf junior Ana Garcia won the Hardee’s Collegiate Women’s Invitational Wednesday at the Perdido Bay Golf Club with a three-round total of 230.

Garcia shot a 75 in the final round to hold off South Alabama teammate Kristen Golightly (80-73-79), who posted a tournament-best 73 in the second round and finished two shots back at 232.

“I thought that was pretty special for them to finish first and second,” South Alabama head coach T.J. Jackson said. “They represented South Alabama very well in that respect. It’s good timing because we’re about to start the season, and it should give them a boost of confidence. I’m real proud of them.”

Garcia sat in second place after the first round, following a five-over par 77. The Niceville, Fla., native shot a six-over par 78 in the second round before carding a three-over par 75 in the third round to capture the tournament.

“It’s a testament to her consistency,” Jackson said of Garcia’s win. “She played a good round and came out with the win, so that’s one step in the process of getting better. She proved she can win today.”

Student-athletes from Middle Tennessee, Troy and Central Florida, as well as three additional institutions, also competed in the tournament.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

-USA-