Late charge gives USC win in Big Easy

A late surge from senior Lizette Salas and another strong effort from freshman Sophia Popov propelled the No. 2 USC women’s golf team to victory in the Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate on Tuesday at the English Turn Golf & Country Club in New Orleans, La.

The victory is USC’s second tournament triumph.

USC began the round four strokes back of No. 1 Alabama and still trailed heading into the back 9, but a rally led by Salas helped the Trojans pass the Crimson Tide. Troy won at 4-over 868 (297-289-282) with Alabama four back at 872 (295-287-290). Host Tulane tied with No. 6 Duke (879) while No. 7 Purdue and No. 8 Virginia tied for fifth (880).

Popov (74-72-69) and junior Lisa McCloskey (73-70-72) tied for seventh at 1-under 215. It was Popov’s fourth consecutive top-10 finish and McCloskey’s sixth top-11 finish in as many events this year.

Salas, who opened with a pair of 74s, birdied five of her final nine holes for a 69 to tie for 14th at 1-over 217 (74-74-69). It was her fourth top-15 finish this year and the 69 marked her 13th career round under 70, tying her for second all-time at USC.

McCloskey mixed three birdies against three bogeys during her final round while Popov had six birdies against three bogeys, including a stretch of five birdies between Nos. 4 and 13 without a bogey.

Sophomore Cyna Rodriguez tied for 32nd at 6-over 222 (76-74-72) and junior Inah Park tied for 43rd at 9-over 225 (77-73-75).