UCLA Bruins Take Over First Place at NCAA Women’s Golf Championships

What a difference a day makes. After the second round at the NCAA Championships, the UCLA Women’s Golf team has moved into first place.

UCLA shot a 9-under 279 yesterday to move from third place to first and jumped ahead of both Alabama and Southern Cal. Overall, the Bruins improved their score as a team by 15 strokes over Friday’s 294.

Lilia Vu shot a 4-under 68 to lead the Bruins. Vu has moved into 4th place individually, just one stroke behind Jennifer Kupcho of Wake Forest, Bianca Pagdanganan of Arizona, and Cheyenne Knight of Alabama, each of whom have shot 139 after two rounds.

For the second day in a row, Patty Tavatanakit shot a 1-under 71, putting her in a tie for 5th individually two strokes behind Vu.

But, the biggest improvement of the day for the Bruins came from Mariel Galdiano. After shooting a 3-over 75 on Friday, Galdiano shot a 3-under 69. She is now tied for 11th at par after two rounds and is just two strokes behind Tavatanakit.

Bethany Wu was 5 strokes better on Saturday compared to Friday. Wu shot a 1-under 71. That moves her up from 51st place after Friday to 24th place.

Clare Legaspi also played better on Saturday. She shot a 3-over 75 after shooting a 7-over 79 on Friday. So far, UCLA has not had to count Legaspi’s score since she was the 5th best golfer both days.

UCLA would have to have a complete meltdown today to miss the cut after today’s round. Baylor is current on the verge of missing the cut at 32 strokes over par. So, the good news is that the Bruins should make today’s cut with little difficulty and, as long as they keeping playing the way they have, they should advance to match play after tomorrow as well where they will compete for the national championship.

This is your NCAA Women’s Golf Championship open thread.


Go Bruins!!! Bring home 117!!!