LV’s Monteiro wins first pro golf event

Friday, April 5, 2002 | 1:10 a.m.

Las Vegas' Christina Monteiro, playing in her first tournament as a professional, shot an even-par 216 over three days to capture her first title in the ladies' division of the Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Classic on Thursday.

The event was part of the U.S. Challenge Golf Tour.

"I'm so excited," exclaimed Monteiro in the clubhouse. "My country club -- Canyon Gate Country Club -- donated my outfit today so I was hoping that I would play well.

"They supported me all the way. I can't wait to tell them."

Monteiro posted a four-shot win over Ji-Yun Lee of San Jose, Calif., who turned in a final round 4-under 68. That was the lowest round in the Ladies' Division for the tournament.

In the men's division, Brian Cooper of Pittsburgh continued his strong play to win his second title on the USCGT in as manyattempts.

He shot a 4-under 68 and finished the three-day event at 6-under 210. Eric Brasch of Mesa, Ariz., finished two strokes behind Coope. Ryan Felty of Selinsgrove, Pa., shot a final round 5-under 67 to post the lowest round of the event.

Cooper also won the 2001 Kierland Invitational last October in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Next week's tournament is at Falcon Dunes Golf Club at Luke Air Force Base in Waddell, Ariz. The first of three rounds begins Tuesday.