March 20, 2005
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - The Santa Clara University women's golf team is set to host the 10th annual Colby Invitational at Rancho Canada Golf Club in Carmel. Rounds will take place on two courses on Monday and Tuesday. The tournament's namesake, Marygrace Colby, will be on hand to meet and greet the teams.
The 2005 edition of the Colby Invitational boasts a solid field, highlighted by regional squads from Cal Poly, Sacramento State, CS San Marcos, CS Monterey Bay and UC Santa Cruz. Southern California schools that are participating are UC Riverside and CS Northridge.
The tournament field also includes West Coast Conference opponent Gonzaga, as well as Idaho State, Northern Colorado, and Eastern Washington. The final squad, British Columbia is the only program that has participated in all 10 Colby Invitationals.
Tee times begin Monday morning. The East Course is a par-71, 5,801 yard layout and the West Course plays 5,937 yards, par 72.
Last season Oregon captured the team title with a 603 (300, 303) and the Ducks' Michelle Timpani won individual medalist honors on the sixth sudden-death playoff hole after carding a 75-71--146 in regulation. Oregon will not return to defend its title. Of the teams competing, Eastern Washington, CS Northridge and British Columbia have all won a previous team title.
The Broncos placed fourth in last year's event, and third in 2003. Santa Clara will field two complete teams. Newcomer Hilaire Fouts will compete as an individual.
"Our host tournament is one that we strive to win each year and I feel that we have the team to accomplish this goal this year and we look forward to the challenge," head coach Polly Schulze said.
