"I can thank Bogey for the trophy," she joked. "It's so cute."
For Pettersen, beating Ochoa had to be sweet: She trails her on every major LPGA Tour list.
Ochoa was trying to win for the fourth time in her last five events, but came up short for the second straight week. She tied for third last weekend in the Navistar LPGA Classic in Prattville, Ala. Ochoa still became the first woman to earn $3 million in a single season, making $101,967.
"I don't care about the money," Ochoa said. "I do not like to lose. That hurts me."
Inkster finished third at 7 under after a 70, while Kane (77) bogeyed the 18th hole and settled for a fourth-place tie with Natalie Gulbis (66).
"I had nothing to lose," Kane said. "I wasn't out of it, but I just didn't have it today unfortunately."
Nicole Castrale (69) was sixth at 5 under, and defending champion Karrie Webb, still winless this season, shot a 72 to finish at 4 under.
Maria Hjorth, the winner last weekend in Alabama, tied for eighth at 3 under along with Inbee Park.
The 26-year-old Pettersen started the day at 12 under after shooting a 65 on Friday and a season-best 64 Saturday for the lowest two-round stretch in the event's 12-year history (129).
But on Sunday, the very hole that helped her gain momentum a day earlier gave her trouble in the final round. She three-putted on No. 9 for bogey after chipping in from 35 yards out for her second eagle on the front nine Saturday.
Kane and Pettersen each bogeyed the first hole, while Ochoa calmly made her birdie putt.
A few dozen Hispanics followed Ochoa in the gallery for most of the day, something she has said gives her extra motivation.
"Nice shot, Lorena!" screamed 4-year-old Ariana Molera.
Molera, of nearby Martinez and watching with parents Jerry and Jonnell, received a wave from the Mexican star.
"Vamos, Lorena!" one man yelled later - "Let's go, Lorena!" in Spanish. Ochoa also gave the thumbs-up sign to a Hispanic fan.
After finishing up on No. 8, Ochoa handed a ball to another young girl cheering her name.
"I was feeling great," Ochoa said. "Even though I lost today, I learned a lot. I demonstrated to myself that I am getting better in terms of finishing strong and hitting the ball good under pressure."
