Sept. 28, 2008

Junior Sydnee Michaels led UCLA to its second team title of the season Sunday, winning individual honors and sparking the Bruins to a six-stroke victory at the Mason Rudolph Championship, hosted by Vanderbilt.

The Bruins scorched The Legends Course with a 14-under par score of 850. They were two-under par in the final round (286, -2) and defeated top-ranked USC (856, -8) by six strokes. Thirty-six hole runnerup Oklahoma State fell to third place with a final round of 295 (+7) and finished at 863 (-1). Host Vanderbilt was fourth at 868 (+4), followed by Arizona State at 873 (+5).

The victory was the Bruins' second straight at this event, which they won last season with a score of 851 (-13).

Michaels, who had not won individually since her freshman season, posted three rounds under par, recorded an ace in the second round and carded a final round 67 (-5) to vault past two competitors for her second collegiate victory.

"Today was a great win for our team," said Head Coach Carrie Forsyth. "It was made even more special by an individual victory for Sydnee. She has worked hard to get her game to the next level. All of our players are dedicated and share a vision for our team this season. It's exciting to start off the year like this."

The victory was the Bruins' second in as many events this season; they won in Japan earlier this month by capturing the Topy Cup. It was the 27th tournament victory for the Bruins under Forsyth.

On Sunday, Michaels played a cool, consistent round making five birdies and 13 pars, featuring an inward nine of three-under 33. She beat Auburn's Candance Schepperle, the 36-hole leader, by four shots.

The other four Bruins each finished in the Top 20, led by sophomore Glory Yang, who tied for 10th at two-under pr 214 following a final round 71 (-1). Senior Tiffany Joh finished 14th at 215 (-1) after posting a 73 (+1) on Sunday. Sophomore Maria Jose Uribe tied for 17th at 218 (+2) after carding a 75 (+3) and freshman Stephanie Kono signed for a 74 (+4) to place 20th at 219 (+3).

UCLA's record-breaking score of 275 (-13) in the second round was increased by a two-stroke penalty following the breach of a local rule. The Bruins' official score for Saturday's round was 277 (-11).

For the complete results, click here.