Florida only trailed Texas by eight strokes heading into Wednesday’s final round.
But when all was said and done, the Gators left Austin, Texas, still searching for a tournament win.
To close out the Betsy Rawls Invitational, No. 10 UF shot 15-over for a three-day score of 892 (285-304-303, +28). The team finished in a three-way tie for second place with Pepperdine and Tulsa, 12 shots behind first-place Texas.
“We made too many mistakes,” coach Jan Dowling said. “But we had an opportunity to win, and that’s what we’re trying to do. It’s disappointing, but we got ourselves in contention and that experience is invaluable. … We had a heck of a first round and had some good individual accomplishments, too.”
While Florida came up short, the second-place result is its best tournament finish of the fall season, topping a third-place showing at the Cougar Classic in September.
Andrea Watts was UF’s top performer on Day 3, carding a 2-over 74 on four birdies against four bogeys and a double bogey. The senior ended the event with a 224 (+8), her best three-day score this year.
“The main word for her is ‘resiliency’ for this week,” Dowling said. “She stayed patient and stayed positive and was able to get her head in gear to make those birdies. I’m happy for her and the way she finished.”
Boasting an impressive streak heading into the final round, junior Mia Piccio finally crumbled Wednesday. After shooting even par on her front nine, she tallied two bogeys and three-straight double bogeys, ending her day 8-over.
Still, Piccio (+5) managed to place 10th individually, her third top-20 finish this season.
“She’s disappointed right now,” Dowling said. “Mia got herself in contention and I’m very proud of her. She was leading the tournament after two days. She’s going to handle this really well, and the next time she’s leading or supposed to lead, I think she’s going to take it.”
Four of Florida’s five golfers in the lineup finished in the top 27.
The Gators will have more than three months off until they begin their spring season at the Northrup Grumman Regional Challenge in Palos Verdes, Calif., on Feb. 13-15.
“The team knows we’re capable of great golf, and when it all comes together, it’s very good,” Dowling said. “This tournament finish has left a bitter taste in their mouth. I think it’s going to motivate them to work really hard during the postseason.”
