Chino Hills, Calif. - The Vanguard University Women's Golf team made history today as they achieved the first ever win for the Blue and Gold. The team beat out Hope International, as they put up a total stroke count of 344, with HIU scoring a 368. Meanwhile the men's team secured their first ever individual winner as Trevor Wales (JR/Scottsdale, AZ) tied for first place. The team as a whole came close to their first ever win, as they came up six shot shorts to finish in a strong second place in a tight three school fight.
"The Providence Invitational was played on a beautiful Friday across the southland, as the North Course, designed by John Duncan, played host to the players of Hope International, Vanguard, and Providence Christian College. Opened in 1925, the course is par 72 for the women and 74 for the men, and features some challenging bunkers, one water feature, and some ravines that must be carried off the tee. This results in a hard course overall that has been ranked as a four star course and is one of the oldest operating courses in the state.
"I'm excited for how the spring season has started," remarked Head Coach Jeff Anderson. "When you have a first place finish in both men and women as individuals and a first place finish for the women and a second place for the men says a lot about our program and the future of Vanguard golf."
Women:
The women's squad was led by Malia Kiger (FR/Hermosa Beach, CA), who led all women with a round of 79. A strong round was also on tap for Alyse Padilla (JR/Modesto, CA), who tied for second overall with a round of 85. Makenzie McMillen (FR/Henderson, NV) laid down a round of 89 while Kylie Takata (JR/Tracey, CA) came close to her season best with a round of 94. It was a personal best day for Galina Tresslor (FR/La Habra, CA), who came out strong for a season best of 91. With their first ever win, the team gets set to carry that momentum into a busy slate of matches to start the month of February.
Men:
Meanwhile the men were led by Wales, who finished with a season best round of 73, one under on the day. Titus Goodman (SO/Bakersfield, CA) came within a few shots of tying a season best as he emerged with a round of 78 on the afternoon, tied for fourth individually. Nick Kristoff (FR/Altaville, CA) came home with a round of 85 and Bryce Johnson (SO/Perris, CA) an 87 to give the Lions enough to hold off Providence by two shots. A total team score of 323 ties their lowest score from the Oregon Tech Invitational and had them a tantalizing six shots behind Hope International for first.
Next Matches: Women - Feb. 1, @ Cal. State LA, at Friendly Hills Country Club, Men - Feb. 15, @ Whittier Christian & Cal Lutheran, at Industry Hills Golf Club
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