SANTA CLARA, Calif. – Santa Clara University junior golfer Balbina Guajardo is ranked No. 3 nationally among all amateur women's players from Mexico. Guajardo made the top 5 in the latest rankings published by the Asociacion Mexicana Femenil de Golf A.C.

Guajardo, originally from Monterrey, Mexico, was terrific for Santa Clara as a junior transfer from Houston Baptist in 2011-12. She led the Broncos in tournament scoring average, won the 2011 Lamkin Grip Invitational and had eight consecutive tournament finishes in the top 16.

"This was really exciting news for both me, and my family," said Guajardo, who prepped at the American School Foundation of Monterrey.  "All the hard work and dedication to my golfing career has been slowly paying off, and it's always a great feeling to see my name in the rankings."

Guajardo will be part of an outstanding group of returning players for Santa Clara and second-year head coach Krystal Kelly in 2012-13. The Broncos are ranked No. 136 in the latest NCAA Division I collegiate rankings according to GolfWeek, a number that SCU should improve on next spring.

"I'm really proud of Balbina," says Kelly. "She has been very dedicated to improving her game. I see the biggest improvement in the short game, which has led to more birdie conversions and lower scores. I also see a big improvement in her course management."

Guajardo thanks her teammates and Coach Kelly for pushing her to become a better player and supporting her during tough stretches.

"I will keep practicing hard, focus on the short game drills, but will give greater emphasis to developing my mental game," added Guajardo. "During the summer I plan to play in several tournaments so that I can keep being competitive and be ready to come back for next year."