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UF Women’s Golf: Gators, Manzalini Capture Allstate Sugar Bowl Title

Press release from UF Athletic Association

The Florida women’s golf team claimed the Allstate Sugar Bowl title by 16 strokes while Clara Manzalini tied for first as an individual.

The Florida women’s golf team captured the Allstate Sugar Bowl team title by a commanding 16 strokes at the English Turn Golf and Country Club on Tuesday. Clara Manzalini led the way for the Gators as she claimed a share of the individual title at 7-under par.

Florida’s win in New Orleans was a complete team effort as all five players in the Gators’ lineup finished within the top-15 individually. Florida shot a final-round 11 under to finish with a tournament total of 23-under 853.

“I’m really excited by what I saw from the team this week,” said head coach Emily Glaser. “We played really solid golf from one to five, which is great to see.”

Manzalini played steady during the first two rounds of the tournament, but really hit her stride through the final 18 holes. The sophomore fired off a blemish-free 6-under 67 in the last round to secure the first individual collegiate win of her career.

Addie Baggarly also had a solid tournament in the Big Easy, tying for third. Baggarly shot under par all three rounds, turning in a 72-71-71 to finish at 5-under 214 collectively. The junior’s steady outing marks her lowest tournament score of the season.

Freshman Marina Escobar notched the first top-10 finish of her collegiate career, tying for eighth after shooting 1 under in the final round. This is also the first event as a Gator that Escobar has finished under par, as she totaled 3-under 215 through all 54 holes.

Marta Perez signed a 2-under 71 in the final round to put her at 3 under overall and in a tie for 10th individually. Perez’s tie for 10th marks the 13th top-10 finish of her career and second of the season.

In her second tournament in a Florida uniform, newcomer Annabell Fuller finished 2-under par, putting her in a tie for 14th individually. Fuller carded an even final round following her career-low 3-under performance in the second round.

NOTABLE

  *   The Gators’ first-place finish marks their second win of the season and 23rd under head coach Emily Glaser
     *   This is the fifth time this season that the Gators have finished within the top five as a team
  *   This is the third time in the past five years that the Gators have won the Allstate Sugar Bowl (2016 and 2018)
  *   The Gators boast back-to-back individual champions at the Allstate Sugar Bowl, as Clara Manzlini’s individual win follows Addie Baggarly’s in 2019
  *   This is the first time since 2017 (Gators Invitational) that all five players in the Gators lineup have finished within the top 15 individually
  *   853 is the 11th lowest tournament total in program history

Head Coach Emily Glaser’s Take

On the team getting the win…
“I’m really excited by what I saw from the team this week. We played really solid golf from one to five, which is great to see. And each player made some really nice adjustments from last week in California. To see them commit to doing that so quickly is a great sign for this group. We also did a great job of supporting each other out there. This team has a tremendous level of respect for each other, and I think we have only scratched the surface of how united we can be. I’m excited to continue to see their development this spring.”

On Clara Manzalini’s individual win…
“Clara was awesome this week. Over the last 6 months, she has really bought into the program that Janice and I laid out for her. She has worked hard on her weaknesses, and today is just a culmination of that hard work and dedication. She really deserves this attention. I’m grateful for her trust and her commitment to the team.”

Clara Manzalini’s Take

On getting her first individual collegiate victory…
“I’m very happy about the win, especially because it was my first one as a Gator. My game was very solid, and I have been very patient on the course these past three days. It’s great to see all the work paying off. I’m also extremely proud of the team, they played great and showed toughness from the first to last hole. Now we’re all looking forward to our home event.”

Up Next

The Gators return home to Mark Bostick Golf Course, where they will host the Gators Invitational presented by VyStar beginning on Saturday, March 7.

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