TULSA, Okla. – Corpus Christi native Vanessa Johnson had her finest result in her career with the Texas A&M – Corpus Christi golf team, placing seventh at the ORU Shootout, presented by Bob Hurley Auto Family. The sophomore shot a 228 (74-77-77) to lead the Islanders, who finished seventh as a team at the event.
"Vanessa has been our rock early on this season," head coach Carol Blackmar said. "Her ability to overcome adversity and her mental toughness is impressive for a player as young as she is. She really bounced back from a tough start today and closed strong. That said, our team result was disappointing – we need to improve our consistency through the rest of our lineup going forward if we want to compete for a Southland title."
It was the second top-10 finish of Johnson's career, joining her 10th-place finish at the Bison Invitational in Las Vegas last season. The Carroll High School alum posted three top-15 finishes a year ago in her debut season for the Islanders.
Lamar ran away with the team title, posting a 905 (302-303-300), as the Cardinals delivered the three lowest team rounds of the Shootout to win by 24 strokes over host Oral Roberts (306-310-313—929). Sam Houston State finished third with a 932 (304-316-312) and saw Shelby Hardy earn medalist honors. Hardy's 217 (72-75-70) gave her the title by three shots. Lamar's Julie Aime and Katelyn McDougal joined Hardy in the top five – the only three Southland golfers to finish ahead of Johnson.
Junior Krista Fenniak finished in a tie for 19th with a 235 (76-79-80) for the Islanders, while senior Nikki Dunn was 28th with a 238 (81-77-80). Senior Taylor Slagle shot a 242 (83-76-83), while junior Lindsay Biehler posted a 253 (85-82-86).
The Islanders are back in action next week for the Harold Funston Invitational, hosted by Sam Houston State in Huntsville on Oct. 8-9.
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ISLANDERS INDIVIDUALS
T7. Vanessa Johnson (74-77-77—228)
T19. Krista Fenniak (76-79-80—235)
T28. Nikki Dunn (81-77-80—238)
T43. Taylor Slagle (83-76-83—242)
T62. Lindsay Biehler (85-82-86—253)
