RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Santa Clara women's golf had a 9-stroke improvement in second round play, but plenty of work remains if the Broncos want to successfully defend their title. Santa Clara sits in 10th place with a two-round total of 619 after the first day of competition at the Battle at the Rock. The Broncos are 20 shots off the lead heading into Tuesday's final round on the 6,079-yard, par-72 Oak Quarry Golf Club.
Players were faced with stiff winds in the morning, which led to elevated scores across the board. All 15 teams recorded a first-round of 300 or higher. Santa Clara scored a 314 over the first 18 holes.
"Conditions were pretty challenging with the wind," head coach Krystal Kelly noted. "We had winds between 25-40 mph, which made it difficult."
All but one team improved its score over the second 18 holes with the Broncos posting a 305. Still, Santa Clara is 20 shots behind leader Hawai'i, which tallied a two-round total of 599.
Senior Annie Freman was the top individual for Santa Clara. She birdied five holes and carded a second round 1-over 73 to climb into a tie for eighth at 6-over 150. Freman has a tournament-best eight birdies through 36 holes. She's six shots behind leader Sofia Anokhina from Northern Arizona.
Kyleigh Moreno had a three-shot turnaround with her 3-over 75 in the second round. The junior jumped into a tie for 19th at 9-over 153.
"Annie and Kyleigh both played well in the second round," Kelly said.
Kristin Le scored rounds of 80 and 78 to tie for 43rd at 158. Chloe Wong is a shot behind her teammate after rounds of 79 and 80. Isabella Salant was four shots better with a second-round 79 and is tied for 62nd with a two-round total of 162.
"Overall, they stayed patient," Kelly said of her squad. "I'm confident we will play better tomorrow."
Final round play begins Tuesday with a shotgun start at 8 a.m.
Santa Clara 2nd Round Individual Results
T8. Annie Freman 77-73 = 150 (+6)
T19. Kyleigh Moreno 78-75 = 153 (+9)
T43. Kristin Le 80-78 = 158 (+14)
T46. Chloe Wong 79-80 = 159 (+15)
T62. Isabella Salant 83-79 = 162 (+18)
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