NUEVO VALLARTA, Mexico - Sophie Hausmann and Vicky Tsai tied for fifth, leading Idaho women's golf to a fifth-place finish at the Hawkeye-El Tigre Invitational hosted by Iowa at El Tigre Golf and Country Club in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. The Vandals shot a 7-over 295 in the final round Saturday, their lowest round of the tournament, posting a 31-over 895 total score. Hausmann paced the Vandals on the last day, shooting a 2-under 70 to finish at 2-over 218 and claim her third straight top-five finish.

Idaho finished two shots better than nationally-ranked Tennessee (No. 37), passing them on the final day. The Vandals were one shot behind Chattanooga for fourth and five strokes out of a tie for second with No. 35 Kennesaw State and Fresno State.

"Vicky, Sophie and Valeria (Patino) were really solid this week," said head coach Lisa Johnson. "All three battled some adversity, whether it be putting, poor course management or inconsistent ball striking, and they were mentally strong enough to push through and score."

Hausmann carded four birdies in her final round and finished under par for the 11th time in 25 rounds this season. She played the par fives at 7-under for the week. The senior has posted a top-25 finish in 13 consecutive team events and 21 of the last 23. This year she has finished in the top 10 at seven of Idaho's eight team events, including finishing in the top five at five tournaments.

Tsai started strong with a career-best 3-under 69 in the opening round Thursday. She closed the event with an even-par 72, matching Hausmann's 2-over and tying for fifth. It is the freshman's best finish, score and score to par in a 54-hole tournament.

Patino also notched a top-15 finish, shooting 6-over (222) across the three-day event. Patino led the Vandals Friday with an even-par 72. She finished Saturday at 2-over for the round to take 15th place, her fourth top-15 showing of the season.

The Vandals will play their final regular-season event next week at the Bryan National Collegiate in Browns Summit, N.C. The three-day tournament runs March 29-31. Idaho will defend its title at the Big Sky Championships April 19-21, near Las Vegas.

Between the end of the regular season and the conference championships, Hausmann will participate in the Augusta National Women's Amateur. The 72-player field features the top female amateur golfers in the world. The event will take place April 3-6, at Champions Retreat Golf Club and Augusta National.

Team Results
5.         Idaho                               895 (31-over; 298-302-295)

Individual Results
T-5.        Sophie Hausmann        218 (2-over; 71-77-70)
T-5.        Vicky Tsai                      218 (2-over; 69-77-72)
15.         Valeria Patino                222 (6-over; 76-72-74)
58.         Michelle Kim                  237 (21-over; 82-76-79)
T-62.      Laura Gerner                 244 (28-over; 82-79-83)