MOORPARK, California – The Pepperdine women's golf team got the 2020-21 season off to a successful start on Friday, winning its own three-team Moorpark Intercollegiate with freshman
Caroline Hwang collecting medalist honors.
After nearly a year without a team tournament, the Waves got back into action at the par-72 Moorpark Country Club and shot a 2-under 574 (288-286) in the one-day, 36-hole, play-six, count-four event. New Mexico State finished 18 shots back at 592 and Cal State Fullerton shot 622.
The Waves had the top four finishers on the individual leaderboard.
PLAYER SCORES
- Freshman Caroline Hwang (Orlando, Fla.) won the event by two strokes with a 2-under 142 (72-70). She was one of five players tied for the lead after the first round with an even-par 72, and then went 2-under in the afternoon. Hwang had eight birdies on the day, tied for the tournament lead.
- Senior Megan Dennis (Bedfordshire, United Kingdom) took second place with an even-par 144 (73-71). Dennis also posted a tournament-high-tying eight birdies.
- Freshman Kaleiya Romero (San Jose, Calif.) and sophomore Reese Guzman (Kahului, Hawai'i) both tied for third at 146, with both players shooting 72-74. Romero was one of three players to record an eagle at the event.
- Junior Kathrine Chan (Richmond, B.C., Canada) took ninth at 149 (72-77).
- Freshman Lion Higo (Gold Coast, Australia) tied for 10th at 150 (79-71).
- Playing as an individual, junior Sifan He (Shanghai, China) was 15th at 161 (78-83).
QUOTABLE
Pepperdine Coach
Laurie Gibbs said: "I am very proud of the team. Everyone played well. We're ready to compete at the Bruin Wave next week."
UP NEXT
Pepperdine and UCLA will co-host the 12th annual Bruin Wave Invitational this Monday through Wednesday (March 1-3) at The Saticoy Club in Somis, California. Because of COVID-19 protocols, spectators will not be permitted.
THE NUMBERS
Team Standings: 1. Pepperdine 574, 2. New Mexico State 592, 3. Cal State Fullerton 622.
Individual Leaders: 1. Caroline Hwang (Pepperdine) 142;
2. Megan Dennis (Pepperdine) 144;
T3. Kaleiya Romero (Pepperdine) 146;
T3. Reese Guzman (Pepperdine) 146; 5. Karen Miyamoto (New Mexico State) 147.
