Round Four Results
ATLANTA – It was an all-or-nothing proposition for UW-Stevens Point senior
Jessica Urban (Hartland/Arrowhead), win it all or go down in flames trying.
The Hartland, Wis. native went into the final round of her collegiate career three shots back in the race for the individual title on Friday afternoon at the Mission Inn Resort on the El Campeon Course in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida.
“It was my goal from the beginning of the year to come back and be number one,” said Urban. “This is huge. This just tops off my senior year and my college career. I never thought I could be at the top and now I'm there.”
Her journey started with an 81 on the tournament's opening day, which left her tied for 15th after the tournament's opening day.
“I thought I was out of it after day one,” said Urban. “I thought there was no chance of coming back. I knew that I was back too far but I knew each day I had to keep working. I just played my game and hoped it was good enough.”
She rebounded with a 79 on day two, jumping 10 spots to finish tied for fifth. On day three she again turned in an impressive round, pulling to within three shots of the leader before the tournament's final day.
“I went for everything today. I was aggressive on the course and I had to leave everything out there. First was the only thing I wanted. If it wasn't first, it didn't matter what spot I was in.”
Urban carded a final round 77 (+4) and brought home the Individual National Championship, finishing one stroke ahead of runner-up Paige Caldwell of Methodist University. Urban fired a four-day 313, finishing 21-over par.
“[Jessica] stayed steady and calm and consistent and that's what it takes,” said UW-Stevens Point head coach Melissa Martin. “She really wanted it bad after taking second last year. She's a hard worker and put the time and effort in and she deserves it. “
Methodist University took home their 13th straight team title after roaring back from a single digit lead to outpace second place finisher Gustavus Adolphus by 19. UW-Eau Claire, who after day two was just one stroke off the lead, finished 25 shots back in third place.
