The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women’s golf team has surged ahead on the first day of the Islanders Collegiate Invitational. Held at the Corpus Christi Country Club, the Vaqueros have taken a commanding lead.
First Day Dominance
The Vaqueros set the pace with a first round 295, followed by a second round 294. The combined two-round total of 589 positions them with a seven-shot lead over Houston Christian. They also have a nine-shot lead over Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.
Pitchayapa Pungpho in Spotlight
Sophomore Pitchayapa Pungpho led the Vaqueros’ charge on Monday. Currently in third place, Pungpho has a two-round total of 145. Pungpho carded a round of 72 and 73, putting her just two shots off the lead. East Texas A&M’s Linnea Olsson and McLennan Community College’s Aaliyah Hryniewiecka-Irwin hold the lead with a two-round total of 143.
Strong Performance from Other Team Members
Sophomore Zoe Hobbs and junior Natalia Rodriguez are tied for ninth place, each posting a two-round total of 149. Hobbs recorded rounds of 75 and 74, while Rodriguez posted rounds of 72 and 77.
Sophomore Miriam Barcalova is tied for 11th with a two-round total of 150, having posted rounds of 76 and 74. Sophomore Kieli Saenz and junior Camila Herrera, who is playing as an individual, are tied for 14th position. They each have a two-round total of 151.
Senior Cristina Galban, also participating as an individual, is tied for 18th position. She has a two-round total of 154, achieved with back-to-back rounds of 77.
Eagerly Awaiting the Final Round
The Vaqueros are poised to continue their impressive performance on Tuesday, with the final round starting at 8:30 a.m. As it stands, the UTRGV women’s golf team has undoubtedly set the bar high for the Islanders Collegiate Invitational, a testament to their hard work and dedication. The final result, however, will be determined in the exciting final round.