Despite a stoppage in play and rainy conditions, the UCLA women’s golf team persevered and finished in second place at this week’s Bruin Wave Invitational.
A stoppage in play occurred as weather conditions forced the players to continue the second round on the last day.
This didn’t completely stop the Bruins, particularly senior Erynne Lee, who won the individual title with a score of even par. Lee finished five strokes ahead of the second-place winners.
“Not only was it mentally exhausting yesterday, but there were many downpours which caused some of the greens to flood,” Lee said. “However, the last day was really nice and when we don’t have to worry about the weather it’s always good for the team.”
Lee recorded one-over par in the first two rounds, but followed them up with a two-under par performance in the last round.
Other standouts were sophomore Bronte Law and junior Louise Ridderstrom.
Law finished in fourth place scoring six-over par for the tournament. Law started the event well as she scored two-under par in the first round.
Ridderstrom entered the final round at 14-over par, but after a strong back-nine where she recorded three birdies, Ridderstrom finished the round with one-under par.
Ridderstrom tied for 23rd, with her final-round performance moving her up 20 spots.
“I have been struggling this whole season so far, but it’s been more of a mental issue,” Ridderstrom said. “I was kind of scared hitting the ball in the first two round, but in the last round I told myself that I’m capable and that mindset really helped me to finish well.”
Freshman Erin Choi ended the tournament tied for 40th with an 18-over par, and freshman Lydia Choi finished tied for 49th with 21-over par.
The team has placed second for the past two tournaments. With two tournaments left before the Pac-12 championship, there’s still room for improvement, especially when the Bruins have been close to winning the last two events.
“After having Alison Lee turn pro, there were a lot of question marks about what we were going to accomplish without her in the lineup,” said coach Carrie Forsyth. “But, we still believe we’re a really good team, and I have no doubts that down the road we’re going to put three rounds together and win a tournament.”