April 18, 2000

TRUMBULL, Conn. - Duke University women's golfer Maria Garcia-Estrada has been named Golf World's Collegiate women's Player of the Week for the April 21 issue released on Tuesday.

Garcia-Estrada, a freshman from Tenerise, Spain, fired a second-round 67 which equaled her personal best and guided Duke to its fifth consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title. She became the third consecutive freshman to win the ACC title and the second in a row from Duke. Last year Beth Bauer won the honor.

"It's sweet. I was actually very nervous coming in because I didn't know what anyone else's score was. It is really exciting. When I made that put I said oh my god I can't believe I've won a tournament,ä commented Garcia-Estrada.

For the tournament she finished one-under-par after rounds of 76-67-72. It marks her first collegiate win following three top-10 and seven top-20 finishes in eight starts.

Duke head coach Dan Brooks on Garcia-Estrada's victory, ãAt Georgia in our last tournament she had back to back eagles. I told her that there is something a little magical about her. The way that works is she keeps such a positive attitude. She gives good luck a chance to happen and she really does play that way. Good things happen to her on the golf course and it is because her attitude doesn't falter that much. She stays real tough and has a real simple game. Very simple ball striking, simple putting stroke and it paid off for her today."

So far this season she has played in nine tournaments and has posted a 74.78 stroke average, which is second on the squad. Duke will be off for two weeks before traveling to the NCAA Regionals at Ohio State on May 11-13. The Blue Devils will begin their search of their second straight NCAA National Championship.