By: BYU Athletic Communications

The No. 20 BYU women's golf team finished the Las Vegas Collegiate Showdown in eighth place, beating the nationally ranked No. 3 team, Arizona, as well as defeating all MWC teams in the tournament.

Rachel Newren led the Cougar team to the eighth place finish. Newren ended the tournament even with par and placing 10th. The tenth-place finish is Newren's 23rd top-20 appearance. Juli Erekson and Natalia Jimenez also helped the Cougars by each shooting a six-over-par, landing them in a tie for 27th place.

"As far as the tournament, it went fairly well," head coach Sue Nyhus said. "Everyone played really close to par today. It helped to move us up in the rankings."

The tournament was the last in the Cougar's fall season.

"The last round we played was great, as we finished five-under with everyone hitting the hole just right," Nyhus said. "I am glad to see the fall season end on a really good note."

As far as the spring season is concerned, Nyhus sees a lot of potential awaiting the team.

"We are continuing to progress and refine," Nyhus said. "We are working hard to help everyone improve. The spring season should be lots of fun and we are expecting a lot of good stuff to happen."

The Cougar season will resume once again on February 26, 2007, at the Arizona Wildcat Invitational.

Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Nov 2006