Feb. 18, 2002

Complete Results

SAN DIEGO - Hwanhee Lee overcame not only severe winds and wet conditions for the second straight day at Lake San Marcos Country Club but also a two-stroke deficit as the Rebels' sensational freshman shot a final-round 74 to claim the first individual title in UNLV women's golf history.

Lee, who was tied for third after the first 18 holes of the two-round affair, carded the second lowest score of the day with her one-over par total to defeat Colorado State's Mayumi Motoyama by a single stroke.

"I am really happy for Hwanhee, but not all that surprised," said women's golf head coach Kelley Hester. "I think this will be the first of many victories for her."

Lee's play not only powered her to the top of the individual leaderbaord, but also rallied her team in a charge from 11th place to sixth. The Rebels trimmed 15 strokes off their first-day total and posted the third-best round of the day with a 24-over-par 316. They finished 19 shots behind champion Colorado State.

Supporting Lee were freshman Tina Mabanta, whose 78 was eight shots better than her Sunday total, and Erin Borcherts, who dropped Sunday's 90 to a 79.

Ayeesha Kosugi completed UNLV's scorecard with an 85, and Christine Hentzner's 87 was not totaled.

The tournament produces the best ever individual and team finishes for the Rebels, smashing previous bests set at the Oregon State Invitational where Lee finished 25th and the Rebels placed 10th of 19 teams.

The Rebels return to California for the Spartan Invitation on March 4-6. The tourney will be hosted by San Jose State at Corral de Tierra Country Club in Salinas, Calif.