NSU Charges From Behind to Win Florida Blue SSC Women’s Golf Championship

BRADENTON, Fla. - Nova Southeastern overcame an 18-hole deficit to post a final score of 945 and edge Lynn by one stroke in Tuesday's final round of the 2012 Florida Blue Sunshine State Conference Women's Golf Championship at The Concessions.

The University of Tampa, which served as the host, finished eighth with a total score of 1,215. The Spartans had respective rounds of 399, 400 and 416 in their first-ever SSC championship.

Kendra Bishop led Tampa with a 255, to finish 27th overall. Also competing for head coach Missey Jones' Spartans were Stephanie Norman (288), Allie Steffens (326), Kelsey Kennedy (349) and Kara Flando (380).

With 36 holes in the books, the Sharks (326-308-311=945) found themselves in third place heading into Tuesday's final 18 holes. Lynn (310-306-330=946) held an 11-stroke lead after a strong first-day showing. Nevertheless, NSU rose to the challenge, outscoring the Knights by 19 strokes in the final round to take its third consecutive SSC title.

Lilliana Camisa led a trio of Shark golfers who claimed All-Tournament honors by finishing in the top five of the individual standings. Camisa carded a three-round score of 228 (78-76-74) to take the individual title. Sitting just three strokes back in second was teammate, Daniela Ortiz, who finished with a score of 231 (80-79-72). Abbey Gittings rounded out the NSU All-Tournament contingent, tying for fourth with a 234 (79-76-79).

Lynn's Samantha Smolen placed third with a 233 (78-75-80). Florida Southern's M.J. Audette (76-76-82) and Lynn's Irene Calvo (78-74-82) tied Gittings in fourth with a 234.

Florida Southern placed third in the final team standings with a three-round total of 954 (311-316-327). Barry finished fourth with a 982 (329-323-330). Saint Leo rounded out the top five with a mark of 984 (344-319-321).

Rollins finished the tournament in sixth place (328-322-344=994). Florida Tech was seventh (331-334-342=1007). Tampa rounded out the team standings in eighth (399-400-416=1215).

Eckerd competed in the event but did not finish with a team score because two players had to withdraw, dropping the Tritons below the minimum number of required participants to land in the team mix.

With its victory, NSU has now won four of the last five SSC women's golf titles.