VENTURA, Calif. - College of the Desert women's golf opened its State Championship defense with a fourth-place finish in the Southern Coast Classic that finished up play earlier this afternoon in Ventura.

COD shot a 659 over the two days of action, placing them just behind Sierra College (651), Citrus College (643) and Santa Barbara (607).  In total, 13 colleges competed in the event.

Sophomore Fumika Matsumoto (Japan / Chiba-Ketzai HS) was named to the All-Tournament Team, as she shot a two-day total of 145 (74 and 71).

Overall, head coach Gary Sabella was pleased with the performace of his group. "We are a young team, therefore it was a strong showing for the first tournament of the season."

College of the Desert returns to the course this Thursday, September 3 for an Orange Empire Conference match at 10 a.m. in San Jancinto.