The Arizona women's golf team began its spring season with a ninth-place finish at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge in Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.

The Wildcats shot a 71-over 923 in the final round yesterday and trailed tournament leader Pepperdine by 27 strokes. The Waves shot a 44-over 896. Pacific 10 Conference foe UCLA finished second, shooting a 46-over 898, while Duke finished third with a 48-over 900.

Junior Cassandra Kirkland set the tone for Arizona. She ended with an 8-over-par 79, good for a tie for 25th. Kirkland ended the tournament with a 229 (+16).

Senior Miriam Kraschinski and junior Whitney Welch each came away with a 20-over 233, tying for 42nd.

Junior Lani Elston tied for 55th place with a 236 (+23). Senior Mar Garcia concluded the tournament in a tie for 66th as she shot a 30-over-par 243.

Arizona hosts the Wildcat Invitational Feb. 20-21 at Arizona National Golf Club.