No. 9 Texas women’s golf finished seventh place at the Moon Golf Invitational on Tuesday in Melbourne, Fla., closing at 16-over par.

“We didn’t capitalize on key birdie opportunities,” Texas women’s golf head coach Laura Ianello wrote in an email.

The Longhorns, competing in a strong early spring field, were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities in windy conditions in Florida and finished a step back from the consistent top finishes they have posted throughout the season. 

Ianello emphasized growth and steady preparation as key goals moving forward, despite the Longhorns’ stepback, pointing out areas the team plans to address before the upcoming competition for Texas. 

“This wasn’t our strongest week,” Ianello wrote. “The conditions were challenging and windy, but ultimately our short games held us back. Over the next 11 days, we will place a strong emphasis on sharpening our wedge play and tightening up scoring inside 100 yards as we prepare for the Darius Rucker.”

Texas junior Farah O’Keefe recorded her third consecutive even-par of 72 to tie for eighth and secured her sixth top-10 finish of the season. O’Keefe has shot par or better in 16 of 18 rounds this year and finished with nine birdies for the tournament.

Longhorn junior Selina Liao shot an even-par of 72 in the final round, tying for 25th, highlighted by a birdie on the par-5 on the 18th hole. 

Texas junior Lauren Kim tied for 37th after opening her final round with back-to-back birdies.

Senior Cindy Hsu finished tied for 59th, and sophomore Alisa Inprasit posted a 1-over 73 — her best round of the event — finishing in 66th place.

The Longhorns shot 4-over in the final round, while the Auburn Tigers won the team title with 7-under par.

Ianello said performances like the Moon Golf Invitational provide measurable feedback on areas that need improvement while allowing the team to assess its preparation against top competition. 

“Moments like this are valuable,” Ianello wrote. “They remind us that we must continue to train harder and smarter to be fully prepared for our next event.”

Texas will travel to the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate from March 2-4 in Hilton Head, S.C.