Clemson, S.C.—Ana Paula Valdes overcame a five-shot deficit over the last six holes to capture co-medalist honors and lead Clemson to a fourth place finish at the Battle at the Beach in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on Sunday. The junior from Mexico had a final round 69 to finish at five under par 208 for the three days in 54 holes, tied with KaleighTelfer of Auburn.
Valdes did take home the medalist trophy by virtue of her final round 69 that was one shot better than Telfer on Sunday. She played the last six holes in two under par, while Telfer was three over for that span.
It was Valdes’s first career win and she joined teammate Alice Hewson and Ashlan Ramsey as Clemson players who have won tournaments in the history of the program.
Valdes had a career best 65 in the second round when she had six birdies and no bogeys. She had six more birdies on Sunday, but had two bogeys and a double. For the tournament she had 16 birdies, best in the field.
Ana Paula Valdes finished in a tie for first with a 54-hole total of 208. The junior set a new tournament record in the second round with a 65, while the Tigers set a new program record of 274. ☝️🏆🏌🏼♀️⛳️🎯 #TigerPride pic.twitter.com/d1PD4plgn6— Clemson Women's Golf (@ClemsonWGolf) November 4, 2018
Ana Paula Valdes finished in a tie for first with a 54-hole total of 208. The junior set a new tournament record in the second round with a 65, while the Tigers set a new program record of 274. ☝️🏆🏌🏼♀️⛳️🎯 #TigerPride pic.twitter.com/d1PD4plgn6
— Clemson Women's Golf (@ClemsonWGolf) November 4, 2018
“Ana Paula was patient for the entire tournament and that was a key for her,” said Head Coach Kelley Hester. “Her parents came to the tournament, the first time they have seen her play in college. She was excited to have them there.”
Clemson finished in fourth place in the 17-team field, a strong accomplishment in the tournament that included seven top 25 teams. “We struggled the first day (307), but fought back. I was pleased with how we competed and beat several teams ranked ahead of us.”
Alice Hewson played each of the final two rounds at one under par 70. She did it in virtually the same style as the senior had two birdies, one bogey and 15 pars each day. She finished 16th with a 217 total.
Freshman Ivy Shepherd also played well throughout the event with a 220 total thanks to 39 pars, the same total as Hewson. Shepherd, who entered the tournament as Clemson’s stroke average leader, finished in a tie for 24th. Her second round 68 had a lot to do with Clemson’s second round team round of 274, the lowest team score in Clemson history. She had a final round 73.
Graycn Burgess also had a 73 on Sunday and finished with a 221 total, 29th best in the field of 92 players. Alexandra Swayne shot a 74 on Sunday to finish at 231 to finish in 69th place.
This tournament concluded the fall portion of Clemson’s tournament.
Battle at the BeachNovember 2-4Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Team Rankings1. Auburn 845, 2. TCU 862, 3. Texas 865, 4. Clemson 866, 5. Vanderbilt 869, 6. Oklahoma 872, 7. Mississippi State and Missouri 879, 9. Virginia 893, 10. Houston 900, 11. Tulane 906, 12. Baylor 909, 13. New Mexico 916, 14. UAB 917, 15. Iowa 918, 16. Denver 919, 17. Tulsa 925.
Clemson Individuals*1. Ana Paula Valdes 75-65-69/208; Alice Hewson 77-70-70/217; Ivy Shepherd 79-68-73/220; Graycn Burgess 77-71-73/221; Alexandra Swayne 79-78-74/231.
*Declared co-champion
