Erica Barnes from Kensington won the 45th Connecticut Women's Amateur Thursday by 3 shots over Branford's Jen Holland. This was the first time Barnes, 18, participated in the event.
Barnes owned a six-shot lead after nine holes. Holland, the 2008 champion, cut the deficit to three after 14 holes, but missed a two-foot putt for par on the 15th hole to cut it to two.
Barnes, who plays for the Hofstra women's golf team, parred the last three holes for the victory and finished with a three-round total 242.
Lida Tingley, a former eight-time champion, and Becky Montgelas tied for third at 248.