The Iowa women’s golf team grabbed a top-eight finish in the Branch Law Firm Tournament, thanks in part to Jessica Ip’s impressive outing.

The Iowa women’s golf team finished seventh at the Branch Law Firm Tournament in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Senior Jessica Ip paced the Hawkeyes, shooting a 3-under par 69 for a tie for fifth.

“I felt confident with my ball striking, so I took advantage of the elevation and the open fairways and gave myself opportunities with my wedges to make some birdies,” Ip said in a release. “I felt good with my putter, so when I had lag putts, I believed in my green reading for my short putts. I didn’t make many birdies yesterday, but I knew that today, I could give myself many opportunities and trust that I’ve been practicing the right things.”

All the teams that finished ahead of Iowa are ranked in the top 35 of the GolfStat Relative Rankings.

No. 19 Oklahoma State won the tournament, while No. 8 Northwestern came in second, and No. 21 Colorado and No. 1 Stanford tied for third.

Junior Shawn Rennegarbe turned some heads this weekend, shooting a three-round total of 221 and placing 33rd, her best finish as a Hawkeye.

“This was a great start to our season,” head coach Megan Menzel said in a release. “The team competed well and held their own in a very strong field. We have a quick turnaround, and we are looking forward to taking some good momentum into Tennessee next week.”

Iowa will take a trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, to compete in the Mercedes Benz Championship Sept. 18-19.

— by Sean Bock