SANTA ANA, Calif. – Santa Clara women's golf ended its fall season in style, using a record-setting performance to take runner-up honors at the UC Irvine invitational with a program-best 54-hole score of 1-under 863.
The Broncos set the program standard for a single-round score with Monday's second-round 280, and also established a record 36-hole score of 575. The 54-hole score at the Santa Ana Country Club betters the old team mark of 875, which was carded at the Boise State Classic in September of 2016. However, it wasn't enough to overcome Cal Poly, who held on for a 4-shot lead, denying the Broncos a second straight team title.
"Overall I'm extremely happy with this tournament," head coach Krystal Kelly said. "They played with tremendous heart today. We pulled ahead with three holes to play and unfortunately didn't play our best coming in. The more they are in this position, the easier it will get."
Junior Marni Murez followed up her program-record tying 67 in Monday's second-round with a final-round 1-under 71 to finish in fourth at 5-under 211, establishing her own 54-hole low while earning a second career top-5.
Several other Broncos also set personal-bests. Sophomore Emily Sumner shot a 215, bettering her old tournament mark by five swings to earn a third consecutive top-10. Fellow sophomore Sarah Busey shot a career-low 3-under 69 on Tuesday, climbing 24 spots on the leaderboard to grab a share of 23rd with a 221 total.
A final-round 73 was a personal-low for freshman Claire Choi, who matched her teammate with a 221 total. First-year player Duong Tran carded a final-round 78 to finish tied for 52nd at 231.
"Lots of school records set this tournament, our future is pretty bright," Kelly said. "I'm hoping this will give them some momentum and drive into our offseason."
The Broncos are off until February 11 when they resume tournament play competing in the Battle at the Rock at Oak Quarry Country Club in Riverside, Calif.
Santa Clara Final Individual Results
| 4. | Marni Murez | 73-67-71 = 211 (-5) |
| T9. | Emily Sumner | 72-68-75 = 215 (-1) |
| T23. | Sarah Busey | 76-76-69 = 221 (+5) |
| T23. | Claire Choi | 74-74-73 = 221 (+5) |
| T52. | Duong Tran | 82-71-78 = 231 (+15) |
Connect with the Broncos on Social Media
• Athletics: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
• Women's Golf: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
