GOODYEAR, Ariz. – The first tournament for Vanguard women's golf as a provisional NCAA Division II member teed off over the past two days at the Golf Club of Estrella in Arizona. The women finished the event tied for seventh out of the 16 competing teams, scoring 620 (312-308) for the two rounds.
Emily Knox and
Brooklyn Motske led the Blue and Gold individually, with Knox finishing tied for sixth and Motske tied for 10th. Colorado Christian University claimed the top spot for the contest with a score of 610 (309-301) and had the individual winner in Raya Schulz, whose seven birdies were the second highest of any competitor, as the junior netted 144 strokes over the two rounds (75-69).
The Course: Located just 30 minutes from downtown Phoenix, the par 72 course is surrounded by the Sonoran Desert with a maximum yardage of 7,139 yards. The large greens and split-level fairways challenged the players' decision-making, club selection, and course management.
What Happened? Knox started day two in 16th and jumped ten places to finish sixth with a total of 148 strokes. She improved her score by four shots (76-72) across the two-day event and netted three of her four birdies in the final round. In her first event as a Lion, Knox parred 24 holes and was a top 10 player on par four and par five holes. Motske was tied for the lead at one point and ended day two a little behind Knox, scoring 149 (73-76) with four birdies to finish tied for tenth. She posted 23 pars over 36 holes and was in the top five of scoring on par-four holes.
Shanaya Neru completed her tournament with 19 pars and ended the Shootout with a score of 162 (79-83). The freshman duo of
Sehlai Purcell and
Brooke Carpenter had their first taste of collegiate golf at VU and each had solid rounds over the two days. Purcell put up tallies of 84-77 for a score of 161, netting 18 pars for the tournament. Carpenter finished with a total of 174 (85-89), netting four birdies and 11 pars.
The Lions as a team were the fifth-best squad on par fours (+35), were seventh in total pars (95), and tied for sixth in total birdies (15).
What was said? "I'm really proud of our first performance in Division II," said Associate Head Coach
Nico Mendoza. "With some good teams, the girls showed some great determination and resilience to finish just 10 shots back (of the lead). I know they would agree they even left some shots out there. Being a young team, I'm excited for the future."
What is Next? Men's golf will begin their season at the end of the month at Saint Martin's Invite on September 26-27. The women will return to the fold at the Vanguard Fall Invite on October 15-16 in Beaumont.
