It was a close three-way fight to the finish between USC, Arizona State and UCLA, but a slow third round ultimately landed the UCLA women’s golf team third place at the Northrop Grumman Regional Challenge at the Palos Verdes Golf Club.
The No. 2 Bruins placed third, one spot higher than last year’s finish, in an almost exact replica of last year’s event. Even the weather was similar ““ damp, rainy and not conducive to golf.
No. 3 USC came in first with a total score of 884 (+32) while Arizona State came in second with a total score of 886 (+34).
The Bruins’ electrifying play in the second round was overshadowed by their total score of 887 (+35). Despite the rainy weather, UCLA took the lead after Tuesday’s round by shooting a 3-over-par 287.
But a less-than-stellar third round cost UCLA the precious few shots needed to finish in the top two. Each Bruin carded a 76 (+5) Wednesday with the exception of junior Stephanie Kono, who shot 80 (+9) for a total team score of 304 (+20).
Freshman Ani Gulugian, competing as an individual for the first time, and sophomore Tiffany Lua tied for third at 220 (+7).
Because Gulugian was playing as an individual, her score was not a factor in the team total. Sophomore Lee Lopez tied for seventh at 221 (+8), senior Glory Yang tied for 11th at 222 (+9), junior Brianna Do tied for 16th at 224 (+11) and Kono tied for 42nd at 234 (+21).
Arizona State’s Carlota Ciganda won the individual tournament title with an overall score of 215 (+2).
Compiled by Anne Paik, Bruin Sports contributor.