SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The Santa Clara women's golf team carries a two-tournament winning streak into Monday's opening round of the 15-team Fresno State Classic, which will be competed at the 6,217-yard, par-72 San Joaquin Country Club in Fresno, Calif.
The Broncos will compete with host Fresno State, New Mexico State, Nevada, Idaho, Boise State, Seattle, Georgetown, Cal State Fullerton, Rutgers, Sacramento State, Florida Gulf Coast, Portland State, Montana and Grand Canyon in 54 holes of golf over two days.
Santa Clara navigated the San Joaquin Country Club course to a second place finish at last year's event, something head coach Krystal Kelly feels gives her squad an edge. "The course is one of our favorites," she said. "And we are excited to play this week."
The same five team members that captured titles at the Matador Invitational in early February and the Battle at the Rock two weeks ago will represent Santa Clara.
Sophomore Kristin Le won individual medalist honors at the Battle at the Rock with a 4-over 220 for her first career title and also tied for fifth at the Matador Invitational.
Monique Riley is having a stellar senior season with six top-10 finishes in seven events and leads the squad with a 75.32 stroke average.
Junior Annie Freman, senior Ashley Noda and freshman Cynthia Navis complete Santa Clara's five-player squad. Senior Meghan Shain will compete as an individual.
Weather could be a factor in the first day of competition and Kelly knows her team must battle the elements. "We might have to deal with some thunderstorms (Monday), so staying patient is going to be crucial."
The Broncos matched a program record with their consecutive team titles and their three first-place finishes also ties the 2013-14 squad for most in a single season. "We've learned a lot over the last few weeks and are hoping to improve on our rounds," Kelly added. "Most importantly, we are trying to play a simplistic style of golf and have fun."
First round action starts Monday at 8:30 a.m. PT. Live scoring is available on Golfstat.com.
TOURNAMENT INFORMATION
Name: Fresno State Classic
Dates (Site): Monday and Tuesday, March 7-8 (Fresno, Calif.)
Host: Fresno State
Tournament Field (Rank): Boise State (113), CSU Fullerton (129), Florida Gulf Coast (143), Fresno State (70), Georgetown (123), Grand Canyon (N/E), Idaho (101), Montana (206), Nevada (95), New Mexico State (82), Portland State (152), Rutgers (131), Sacramento State (132), Santa Clara (100), Seattle (117).
Details: The event will span two days and feature 54 holes of stroke play. A shotgun start format will be used for all three rounds while team scoring will be 5-count-4. Rounds one and two will be held on Monday and all players will be re-grouped before the final round on Tuesday, based on scores.
Course: San Joaquin Country Club
Yardage/Par: 6,217 yards/Par 72
Website: www.sjcc.cc
Course Number/Address: (559) 439-3484
3484 W. Bluff Avenue
Fresno, CA 93711
Results: golfstat.com
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