CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Sophomore Ximena Benites notched a career-best finish to lead the University of Iowa women’s golf team to a fourth place team showing in its fall finale at the Miami Invitational on Tuesday at the Biltmore Golf Course.
The Hawkeyes fired a final round 293 (+5) to finish with a 54-hole total of 878 (295-290-293). It is the ninth-best 54-hole total in program history.
Benites matched her career-best 69 (-3) from Monday’s second round to move up into a tie for fourth place on the individual leaderboard. The Peru native had a steady round, carding 11 pars and five birdies to finish the tournament in the red with a one-under par 215 (77-69-69).
The 215 total is tied for the 13th-best 54-hole total in program history. Benites was one of five players to finish under par and one of nine to finish at even par in the tournament.
Junior Riley Lewis had a strong final round, shooting a one-over par 73. She had three birdies and nine pars on the day to finish the tournament in a tie for 29th place with a 223 (74-76-73). Sophomore Maura Peters tied for 24th with a 222 (72-74-76) – a career-best 54-hole score.
Host Miami claimed the team title, shooting a 12-under par 852, including a 10-under par 278 in the final round. The Hurricanes’ Olivia Gronborg was the individual medalist, finishing with an eight-under par 208.
QUOTING COACH MENZEL
“It was great to see three consistent rounds this week. Ximena and Maura both posted personal bests as Hawkeyes and it was a solid team effort. The team has put in a lot of work this fall and we are all looking forward to a productive offseason and a strong spring season.”
IOWA LEADERBOARD
T4. Ximena Benites 77-69-69=215
T24. Maura Peters 72-74-76=222
T29. Riley Lewis 74-76-73=223
T34. Shannyn Vogler 77-71-76=224
T38. Paula Miranda 72-78-75=225
4. IOWA 295-290-293=878
UP NEXT
The Hawkeyes will return to action in late January, traveling to Guadalajara, Mexico, for the Collegiate Invitational on Jan. 31-Feb. 1.