VISTA, Calif. — The Cal State Monterey Bay women's golf team surged to a third-place finish at the Fujikura Invitational held at the Shadowridge Country Club. The Otters combined for a three-round total of 918 (306-305-307) to climb a spot in the final standings.
 
"Great team effort today," CSUMB head coach Jim Ragan said. "Cathy bounced back with a nice under round par. Both Khivi and Audrey came up huge. Esther had an impressive top-10 finish, especially for just the third start of her collegiate career. This tournament was a great experience for both her and the team to bounce back and post a solid final round score."
 
Senior Cathy Tong spearheaded the Otters' final-round charge, carding the team's best score of the day with a 2-over 74. Tong's round was highlighted by four birdies to finish the tournament in a tie for 11th place with a total of 228 (80-74-74).
 
Freshman Esther Sheu remained a model of consistency at the top of the Otter lineup, finishing as the team's highest individual, placing seventh. Sheu battled through the 6,194-yard layout to post a 75 in the final round, anchored by birdies on the 1st and 12th holes to finish with a 223 total (75-73-75).
 
Classmate Khivi Kaur provided scoring support, finishing tied for 18th with a three-day total of 229 (78-77-74). Like Tong, Kaur climbed up eight spots to help CSUMB move up a spot in the final standings.
 
Freshman Audrey Cheng and Morgan Pittman rounded out the team effort. Cheng finished with a total of 233 (77-81-75) to tie for 31st, while Pittman concluded the week with a 236 (76-81-79).
 
The Otters will remain local next week as they will compete in the Patriot Invitational hosted by Dallas Baptist University. The tournament will be held at the Quail Lodge Golf Club.