Six Pac-12 teams to compete at 2015 NCAA women's golf championships
SAN FRANCISCO – Six Pac-12 women’s golf teams are amongst the field for the 2015 NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championships, to be conducted May 22-27 at the Concession Golf Club in Bradenton, Fla. No other conference will send more teams to the Championships.
This year's championship features a format change. All 24 teams and 12 individuals will complete 54 holes of stroke play. The top 15 teams along with the top nine individuals not on an advancing team will advance for one additional day of stroke play to determine the top eight teams for match play competition and the 72-hole stroke play individual champion. The top eight teams then compete in match play for the championship.
After leading all three rounds of their regional in St. George, Utah, No. 3 USC clenched their bid to nationals with another team championship. The Trojans won shooting 26-over-par as a team. Sophomore Gabriella Then, who flew under the radar most of the spring, had an amazing third round to clench a forth place overall finish in the regional. Teammate Annie Park who has a history of success at NCAAs finished right behind her in fifth.
No. 17 STANFORD came in second at the St. George Regional with a 34-over 886 (304-292-290). Cardinal head coach Anne Walker credited her underclassmen with the success. Sophomore Casey Danielson (72-75-74) checked in at 8-over for ninth and freshman Shannon Aubert (75-69-78) shared an 11th place finish.
CALIFORNIA finished sixth in St. George with a 297-305-298 -- 300 (+48). Junior Pauline Loulier is looking strong for the Golden Bears with a 13th place finish after scoring a 68-77-78 -- 223 (+10). Freshman Marthe Wold hit par on 15 of 18 rounds, and looks to be a competitive force in the individual stroke play.
In San Antonio, No. 2 UCLA finished second at 19-under securing their 15th straight appearance at the NCAA Championships. Sophomore Bronte Law also finished in second as an individual with an eagle on 15 and birdie on 16 to finish three-under 69 in the final round.
No. 1 WASHINGTON was able to hold on to their qualifying spot with a fifth place finish as a team in the San Antonio Regional. The Huskies were led by Charlotte Thomas, who tied for 10th at 3-under for the week.
Battling wind and rain, the No. 5 ARIZONA secured their spot at the South Bend, Ind. Regional. The Wildcats finished in fourth place with an 866 (+22). Junior Lindsey Weaver finished third individually with a 215 (-1) and daily rounds of 71, 70 and 74.
The Pac-12 also has three individuals still in the race, and they are Alivia Brown of WASHINGTON STATE, Monica Vaughn of ARIZONA STATE, and Anica Yoo of OREGON STATE.
The University of South Florida will serve as the host of the championships and the Golf Channel will provide live coverage for the final three days of the championships on May 25, 26 and 27. For a complete list of this year's field and more information, visit NCAA.com.