UT takes smooth drive to Mercedes trophy

The team competition in the Mercedes-Benz Women's Collegiate Championships offered little drama Sunday, as the University of Tennessee women's golf team won by a tournament-record 21 strokes.

The same could not be said for the individual competition, however.

Five exciting playoff holes were required at Fox Den Country Club before Lady Vols sophomore Nathalie Mansson was able to defeat Louisville's Laura Anderson with a par.

"It feels even more special, and I am glad my mom and dad and brother were here," the physically and emotionally exhausted Mansson said.

The playoff had been set up on No. 18.

Anderson, a junior from Tompkinsville, Ky., was able to get up and down from the side of the green for a par to finish regulation with a 71 and a 3-under-par 213 for the tournament.

Mansson, a sophomore from Sweden, was playing in the group behind Anderson with a one-stroke lead after birdieing Nos. 16 and 17. However, she had literally an uphill battle ahead of her after landing her approach shot below the front of the green.

She was unable to make her par putt for a 70, so the golfers began playing Nos. 10 and 18 repeatedly until the match was decided.

Although the two holes were relatively flat, the storyline of the playoff was very much up and down. Anderson, for example, appeared to have the advantage on the third extra hole, as she had a fairly short birdie putt, while Mansson had to get up and down for par.

Mansson was able to win after Anderson hit her approach shot short on the fifth hole (No. 10) and made bogey.

"I kept my focus and stayed patient," Mansson said.

Anderson was disappointed.

"Pars in a playoff usually win it, and that's how it ended up," she said.

Tennessee coach Judi Pavon, who was obviously excited over Mansson's first collegiate win, called the playoff length unusual.

"Usually you get to a hole that will separate the players," she said.

Tennessee separated from the field early, but Pavon tried not to celebrate too soon.

"It wasn't until we had about three holes left that we had a comfortable margin," she said.

Tennessee, at 4-over 868, finished ahead of Louisville (887) and South Carolina (889). It was the Lady Vols' first team win since the 2006 Mercedes.

Ginny Brown (72-215) finished third for Tennessee, while fellow senior Diana Cantu (76-219) finished tied for eighth.

John Shearer is a freelance contributor.