May 30, 2010

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Maria Hernandez won the Allianz Ladies Slovak Open by one stroke on Saturday. The Pamplona, Spain, native recorded her first professional tournament victory by finishing eight-under par at the Gray Bear Golf Course with a final round of 70.

Hernandez was one stroke behind Kristie Smith - who finished second - with two holes to play but scored two birdies to secure the victory.

"I had to finish strong and make birdies on the last couple of holes," Hernandez said. "I knew I had to finish strong because I was playing pretty good but the putts weren't falling in."

The former Boilermaker was playing in her second Ladies European Tour event as a professional. She played three times on the LET as an amateur, with her best finish a tie for 13th at the 2005 Open de Espana.

The 24-year-old finished fifth in the LPGA Final Qualifying Tournament in December and has competed in four LPGA tournaments this season, making the cut once.

Hernandez will head to the Netherlands for the ABN AMRO Ladies Open, June 4 to 6. She earned 52,500 euros for her first place finish at the Ladies Slovak Open and has moved into fourth on the LET's Henderson Money List. With the win, Hernandez tops the Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year Standings.

After the LET tournament in the Netherlands, Hernandez will play in LGPA State Farm Classic in Springfield, Ill., before competing in the U.S. Women's Open from July 8 to 11. Hernandez competed in the 2009 U.S. Women's Open and finished tied for 34th with a score of 295 (+11).

As a senior, Hernandez won the NCAA Championships individual title and was named the Honda Sports Award as the top collegiate women's golfer, the PING/NGCA National Player of the Year and the Big Ten Suzy Favor Female Athlete of the Year. After winning a second-consecutive Big Ten Championships individual and team title, Hernandez was awarded her third-consecutive Big Ten Player of the Year and Mary Fossum awards. She was tabbed first team All-Big Ten for the fourth year and first team All-American for the third time.

Hernandez has been serving as a part-time assistant coach for the Boilermakers after graduating with a bachelor's degree in management in May of 2009.

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