California Baptist University
GCU Invitational
Lancers Grab Runner-Up Finish at GCU Invitational
3/2/2021 1:55:00 PM | Women's Golf
PHOENIX --- California Baptist University women's golf team took home second at the GCU Invitational on Tuesday, as the Lancers recorded the sixth-lowest team 54-hole score of 878 in program history.
"So many good things to take away from this tournament," said Head Coach Marc Machado. "To place second in a large field, set an 18-hole program record at -12 in round two, and we learned a lot about how tough this TEAM can be."
The 54-hole two-day event was hosted on the Grand Canyon Championship Golf Course, as the field of 15 teams battled the winds on the par-72 course.
After the first day, the Lancers produced a record-breaking round, setting a new program-best 12-under-par 276 in the second round on Monday. It propelled the Lancers into second and two strokes off the lead.
Grand Canyon would go wire-to-wire in its home event, posting a 2-over-par 866 to win by 12 strokes. The Lancers finished behind the Lopes with a 14-over-par 878. The 14-over-par 878 team score is good enough for sixth all-time in the record books for low team score in 54 holes. Seattle would finish the podium in third with a 25-over-par 889.
Haruka Shintani made a run at the top for medalist honors, shooting a 2-under-par 70 in her final round to take second out of 82 golfers. She finished with a 75-69-70=214 to move into a tie for fourth all-time for individual low score in 54 holes.
"I'm so happy and very proud of Haruka," added Machado. "She is starting to see what everyone else on our TEAM sees...that she is an extremely talented golfer who has the ability to win collegiate tournaments. To take second place in a loaded field and finish at 2-under for 54 holes is awesome work by her. Haruka has been a great fit immediately since transferring to CBU."
Sofia Chabon joined Shintani for a top-10 finish, taking home T-8th with a 77-67-74=218 on the card.
"Sofia was rock solid from start to finish for us," said Machado. "When her career is finished at CBU, she is going to hold a lot of program records."
Samantha Martirez grabbed a top-20 finish at T-17th, signing a 74-70-77=221. Hailey Loh recorded a 77-70-78=225 to place 26th, while Belle Balkan placed T-69th with a 78-81-82=241 on the card.
Chanikan (Pluem) Yongyuan of Southern Utah took the field by surprise on the final day, firing a 3-under-par 69 to win the tournament by three strokes. Yongyuan finished with a 5-under-par 211.
The Lancers are back in action on March 11-12 when they travel to St. George, Utah, for the Pizza Hut Lady Thunderbird Invitational.
"We have so much youth on this TEAM, and it's very exciting for right now and also for the future," Machado said. "After this 20-21 season ends, Hailey, Belle, and Sofia all still have three more years of eligibility, and Haruka has two more years left. The ladies represented CBU, the Lord, and our TEAM extremely well this entire tournament. "
Players Mentioned
