MATCH PLAY (TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2022) NOTES AND QUOTES
--Click HERE for Georgia quotes and recap from its quarterfinal defeat to Stanford.
--Click HERE for San Jose State quotes and recap from its quarterfinal defeat to Oregon.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROUND FOUR (MONDAY, MAY 23, 2022) NOTES AND QUOTES
On winning the National Championship
“It’s amazing. I feel like coming into this week, I definitely did not expect it. Even though I was the player to watch, I felt like I just, I didn't really have that expectation."
“I felt like the entire day I just had to grind each and every step of the way. It was very difficult, but I felt like today just showed that I really persevered out there, I really tried to stay as patient as possible. Even when I did hit a bad shot, I tried not to waver as much as possible. So I felt like that really helps me just stay in the zone and just execute every single shot I can out there.”
On her birdie on the back nine
“Made a really big difference. I felt like that really helped me kind of ease into my mindset of, ‘Okay, now that I have a birdie under my belt, I can keep on going and keep on playing and keep on grinding.’ I knew that I had it in me to hit a good shot when the time came. I knew I had it in me to make a putt, and that's really what helped me carry myself throughout the rest of the round.
On Rachel Heck
“She's amazing. She's one of my closest friends and I feel like we share so much in common. I'm rooming with her this week and last night even when I was in the same position as her as the previous year, she told me if there's anything you kind of want to share, or any nerves that you want to talk about, I'm here because she went through it. Just being able to have that connection with her, I feel like it's just so, so special. I am so inspired by her.
“To be a national champion in my first NCAA (Championship), I just can't explain it. It's hard to describe in words, I feel like it hasn't really settled in yet. I didn't really know this date would come. But as a freshman, I feel like I really want to just thank everyone who kind of supported me.”
– – –
CLICK HERE FOR SAN JOSE STATE RECAP/QUOTES
– – –
GEORGIA'S CANDICE MAHE'
“It has been a great day. I started pretty chill, nothing crazy. I think I was 1-under after nine. Honestly, I think the momentum was on 5 when I made that bunker shot. I was thinking I was just going to try to make par and move onto the next but good for me it went in. I was like ‘I’m 2-under but I have no idea about the team.’ I was trying to look, but I could not see the leaderboard. I made another birdie on 6 and another one on 8. I’m just really happy because we all work really hard. We have struggled this whole season, but we made it where we want to be now. We’re so excited to play tomorrow.”
“I am really excited. I love match play. I love playing against other girls. To me, it’s much more fun that stroke play. Tomorrow, we have nothing to lose basically. I don’t think anyone expected us here going into match play tomorrow, so we’re really excited.”
“When I made that bunker shot I said I think we’re on a good vibe, but I didn’t have any idea. I tried to ask Josh and (assistant coach) Caroline (Westrup), but they just said ‘You guys are good. Just continue to play your game.’ Me, I’m so competitive that I wanted to make sure that when I signed my scorecard I had nothing to regret. I trusted every shot that I wanted to hit and it went really good for me today, but I’m most happy to be here for the team.”
GEORGIA COACH JOSH BREWER
“It’s just another day and another tee time. We said we just wanted to have a tee time each day out here so check another box. It was strange. I was calm all day. I felt like we were ready, and they proved that I was correct. It’s extremely exciting. It’s the first time we’ve made it as a program under this format so we’re just excited to be competing again tomorrow.”
“It’s strange. I think I would’ve been ok if we played well. I feel like that’s all you can ask for as a coach. We have players who have prepped wonderfully. To see them close out this round – because we hit a little speed bump. Candice making a couple of birdies coming in and making some tough pars under stress and TV cameras coming in. I’m just happy for them and bring on the No. 1 seed.”
“Just get the three points. It sounds crazy but look at our track record. Jenny and Jo have been unbelievable during their time at Georgia. Candice and Caterina have played a lot of match play. LoraLie has had success at the USGA level. We don’t fear anybody. Obviously, we’ll respect the heck out of whoever we play, but what a wonderful opportunity in front of us. There’s only eight of us left. We hope to be here saying we’re one of two left tomorrow.”
– – –
FLORIDA STATE COACH AMY BOND
“I don’t have enough words to describe what they’ve (the players) have done. They played for each other; they played as a family, they were super gritty. Friday’s round was one of the best rounds I have ever seen out of one of our teams. For them to do it down a person was unreal. I’m just extremely proud of them and really excited for them and for Florida State to have this opportunity.”
– – –
LSU HEAD COACH GARRETT RUNION
(On the team’s performance over the four rounds despite battling illness…)
“They fought real hard. We had three ladies that weren’t feeling good all week and if it was a normal tournament, they probably wouldn’t have played. We had to make some substitutions and they stepped up and gutted it out when they weren’t feeling 100%. At the end of this deal, there’s only one team that’s happy and I’m proud of our team. That’s two years in a row being right around it (Top 8), eventually it’ll go our way.”
(On if Ingrid Lindblad will return for another year… )
“I’d like to keep it a secret, but I think she’s made it known that she’s going to come back and we’re very excited about that. She loves LSU and her teammates. She’s getting better and wants to win this one (NCAA Championship) at the end of it.”
JUNIOR INGRID LINDBLAD
(On what she and her team take from their time in Scottsdale…)
“I think we had a great week here. We obviously wanted to finish a few shots better, but the margins are so small. All week, I basically haven’t gotten a single putt to drop. The margins are so small and close.”
(On staying patient during a round and not getting too aggressive…)
“You have to find something in between. You have to be aggressive, but you also can’t force yourself and make a big number. You just have to learn that.”
(On her goals and plans for the summer…)
“Well, I’m playing U.S. Open next week, but just taking it one week at a time. It’s a lot over the summer and I’m kind of hoping to be home (Halmstad, Sweden) for a little bit actually.”
--CLICK HERE FOR ARIZONA STATE QUOTES/RECAP
ROUND THREE (SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2022) NOTES AND QUOTES
"Being able to go out there and hold on to whatever I had, I tried to play the best I could the first couple of holes. It was obviously a very big grind out there. I feel like, just being able to come in and stay committed to my game plan, and stay committed to myself, I hit shot after shot and executed the way I wanted to. It turned out great. I’m very proud of how I finished and I’m very proud of how I was able to put the ball in the hole.
(On the plan for the rest of today and her mentality for tomorrow)
Today is just a very chill day. I feel like overall I may do some putting and some practice, but overall it’s best to take care of the body — stretch a lot, hydrate a lot. Tomorrow, I’ll get a game plan and stick with it.
STANFORD HEAD COACH ANNE WALKER
Rose (Zhang) is so unbelievably patient. That’s what has gotten her through these rounds: having the patience and the belief that if I stay the course, something will happen for me. She’s not getting ahead of herself or stuck in the past. She just continues to believe that if she just weathers a storm, something good will happen, and that’s what I’ve seen from her.
(On keeping the team focused for tomorrow)
We are going to try to figure it out. We obviously haven’t figured it out and we’ve been in this situation multiple times, not just last year. We’ve been the No. 1 seed a few times. We’re doing the very best we can, and we’ll see if the very best we have can move us one day forward.
(On Brooke Seay’s Elite 90 Award)
So awesome. That’s the one award at Stanford I didn’t know if we’d get our hands on. It’s incredibly difficult to get in this field as a junior or senior, and then to be in the field and be able to best all these schools when you’re at the premier institution in the world? I wasn’t sure. Think of all the days of travel and commitment we have as a team. We are a year-round sport, we aren’t a seasonal sport. So for Brooke to do that, it’s absolutely unbelievable. And to be ranked in the Top 15 in the country, plus have the highest GPA in the whole field, it’s hard to wrap your head around how good that is!
– – –
TEXAS A&M HEAD COACH GERROD CHADWELL
“If you told me we’d be even par this morning teeing off I’d have taken it. Probably feel like we gained ground on the field. So any shot today gives you cushion for the top eight, so they're all important. The good thing about Zoe (Slaughter) is she always follows a bad round with a good round. That's what she did today. Yesterday she was just so fast, and she couldn't get slowed down. She actually had some bad three putts or it really would’ve been probably 75 yesterday. The good thing is the girls had her back and she came out and played great today. Jennie (Park) doesn't really hit it out of play and she's putted really good this semester. Last semester she struggled with the putter a little bit, but she's had a great spring. She was in and out of the lineup a little bit (in the fall), but had a great spring, and that's been strong for the lineup.
– – –
SAN JOSE STATE HEAD COACH DANA DOORMAN
Let's hear from some very happy Spartans.
— San Jose State Women's Golf (@SanJoseStWGOLF) May 23, 2022
First up, head coach @DanaDormann #SpartanUp pic.twitter.com/et0MOuIfgo
– – –
LSU HEAD COACH GARRETT RUNION
– – –
VIRGINIA'S AMANDA SAMBACH (FRESHMAN WITH EAGLE ON 18)
VIRGINIA'S BETH LILLIE (BIRDIE ON 18 TO CLINCH)
"It was a total team effort. Playing 18 four-under par for the four counting scores that is some serious guts that our team has always had, and it was cool we showed it today at the end. Coaches know I don’t want to be told where we stand and stuff. I know I want to go as low as I can on every hole. I wanted to make the putt and I did make the putt. I am glad I didn’t know (walking down 18). It would have added some nerves."
"I heard it (the eagle) when I was on 17. It was a super loud scream. I don’t know if I ever heard our team and families scream that loud. I ask if that was even us. Coach told me walking off the No. 17 green that Amanda made eagle. I had no idea she holed out. Thought she made a putt. It was cool. It means everything (to get to the fourth round). I love playing college golf because I love playing with my team. I know there was a circumstance where I could play as an individual, but I didn’t want it that way. I wanted to play with my team because that is when I play my best."
– – –
SOUTH CAROLINA HEAD COACH KALEN ANDERSON
“From hole one to our last playoff hole, I’m very proud of how the team competed today. We have a window of opportunity to make match play, but we will need an exceptional day in the medal round. This group will be up for the challenge, and we look forward to tomorrow.” - South Carolina head coach Kalen Anderson
– – –
AUBURN HEAD COACH MELISSA LUELLEN
“On a championship golf course, over 72 holes, you’re probably going to have one off day. I would say this is our off day. We’re going into tomorrow with the mindset that we are outside the top eight because it’s going to be a battle. We’ll bring that mindset and tenacity and focus. We have nothing to protect.”
– – –
FLORIDA STATE HEAD COACH AMY BOND
“I don’t think each of our girls had their good stuff today, but we fought hard and put together another pretty good day. The girls are in pretty good spirits and I am proud of the way they hung in there today. The greatest thing I can say about this group is that they are all fighting for each other.”
– – –
OKLAHOMA STATE'S MADDISON HINSON-TOLCHARDO
(On winning one of the two spots in the individual playoff)
“It feels good, Maddison Hinson-Tolchard said “It was rough out there today. I just made birdie and it was the first birdie of the day and I’ll take it. It was two really clutch putts so I’m happy.”
(On her mindset on hole 18)
“It’s a birdie-able hole,” she said. “It just depends how you play it, and everyone plays it different. I flared my drive right and I wasn’t sure if it was in the water or not and I just tried to play it safe. Hit my 6-iron into the right spot and then trusted my wedge. My wedge shots have been solid all week, so I just wanted to trust that, and I put it to 5-feet and sunk it so that was really good.”
– – –
OKLAHOMA STATE HEAD COACH GREG ROBERTSON
On Maddison’s win:
“I did what we always do. Just stay out of the way and let her do her thing. Those two holes, what she did? That was pretty gutsy. The up and down to get bogey to stay on it on 10 and then hit a good wedge shot after a wayward tee shot and make the putt? That’s some great golf and she’s done it all year.”
On what this means for the program:
“Well, it’s great to have someone playing in the final round. She’s on track to possibly be an All-American this year and that went a long way toward that. It’s going to be great to have the whole team out here supporting here. Wish we could have done it as a team, but we’ll take it as an individual.”
– – –
OREGON HEAD COACH DEREK RADLEY
"Each day we're trying to keep the hammer down, and that's what we talked about — not giving any shots away, and really capitalizing on opportunities out there. Finishing strong has been a motto of ours all year. So to finish the way we did, in style like that, shows me we've got confidence moving forward."
– – –
VANDERBILT HEAD COACH GREG ALLEN
“Today is sort of bittersweet as the season comes to an end for this team, but we are all super pumped for Celina as she makes it two years in a row making it as an individual to the final round of stroke play at the NCAA Championships,” said head coach Greg Allen. “She played so well today and looked in control of her game all day. I’m excited for her opportunity tomorrow.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROUND TWO (SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2022) NOTES AND QUOTES
STANFORD HEAD COACH ANNE WALKER
“The grind these kids put in, are you kidding me? It was so hard out there. I don't know if it was that hard for everyone because I haven't really checked the scores, but I certainly know that for our team it was hard, but they just kept fighting to the very end. I think just seeing the way they came home shows how much heart they have.”
(Conditions compared to yesterday?)
“It was different. So yesterday we faced the elements, the wind was howling, but the hole locations were pretty benign. And then today, wind wasn't gusting as hard. It was pretty constant, but not horrible. But the hole locations were so challenging, so it was hard to get close and on a day like that, that's when stuff starts to pile up because you feel like, ‘I'm not gonna be able to get it back.’ There wasn't a lot to be had back.
(Rose Zhang started off poorly but was able to get it back on the back nine?)
“When you've got Rose Zhang 2 over through three holes, that shows you how hard those first three holes were for the entire field. So she wasn't alone in that, but that's what Rose does, right? She’s never going to quit and if she ended up 2 over today, it wouldn’t have been because she quit, it would have been because of bad breaks or she just couldn't get one to fall. She's always going to grind.”
(Rachel Heck bounced back with a solid round today)
“I think it's important to remember yesterday was her first competitive round since the ANWA really. She teed it up for us at home for regionals, but she couldn't really get it going much and then she withdrew. So to not have played since, what was that, beginning of April, and almost seven weeks later, your first round is in the national championship on a tough golf course with massive winds, I was really proud to her yesterday. Today, she got a little bit of that tournament vibe back and what it feels like to not get too worked up or too let down and just kind of roll with the punches. Today that carried over. I think for her, everyday she's going to be a little bit better, at least mentally and hopefully with her strength she can keep it up.”
(How do you deal with the lofty expectations as the No. 1 team in the nation?)
First, focusing on any of that stuff, we know it doesn't help us. We've done a really good job all year of just having a great time as a team. We know that this team is special to be together and embracing each other's company, embracing just being around one another. I think that was a big focus this week. I think Aline (Krauter) said that coming here, ‘let's never get to the point next week where we forget how fun this week is to spend together and what a memory it will be.’ So I think that's first and foremost. We really believe in the system we have in place and the way we prepare and that's the stuff you do all year and then this time of year you rest on that work and hope that it pays off.
STANFORD'S ROSE ZHANG
(Difficult start but you were able to get it going on the back, what changed?)
Just starting the round was quite difficult. I was 2 over through three holes and it definitely put things into perspective for me where I had to stay as present as possible and just try to grind. I knew that coming out it's going to be a grind and the first three holes kind of reinforced that idea and then I just had to keep going. But I would say on the back nine I just stayed as patient as possible. I was just waiting for putts to drop. I was waiting for shots to be hit closer to the hole. I was trying to get my right yardage. So it was very much an up and down round but that's what this course kind of gives you.
(How comfortable are you in the lead and does that comfort level change as the conditions get more difficult?)
I would say I'm never really too comfortable being in the lead position. I feel like no matter what position I'm in, you go out there and you try to shoot the best score. So regardless of being in the lead or not, I don't think it makes a difference, you always have to try to make that comfort on the golf course and that's just what I'm what I'm going to try to do tomorrow, just try to place myself in the best position possible for each shot.
(How different were the conditions from yesterday afternoon to this morning?)
Yesterday afternoon was quite brutal. But today, when we came out, we thought it wasn't going to be as windy, yet there was some wind coming and it started right off the bat. It kind of threw us through a little bit of a loop, it was a little unexpected, but we kind of figured that was going to happen. This is the desert.
(Anything to work on for the third round?)
I don't think there's anything I need to tweak but there's some things that I want to kind of reinforce, like just having my setup in shape and will roll a couple of putts just to make sure that my stroke is good to go. Fundamentals. I go back to the fundamentals all the time.
– – –
ARIZONA STATE HEAD COACH MISSY FARR-KAYE
(On setting a "birdie goal" of 20 for the team today)
“It gets them in that mode of being aggressive and assertive,” explained Farr-Kaye. “When you feel that you can make birdies, you don’t worry about a bogey here or a bad shot. It changed our whole tone.”
(On Ashley Menne saying this year feels "relaxed" compared to last year)
“I love that she feels that, that's been our thought process all spring. This team is very talented, and if we can keep them relaxed and having fun and smiling and realizing that it’s supposed to be fun, it's not supposed to be stupid, it's not supposed to be so stressful.”
– – –
OREGON HEAD COACH DEREK RADLEY
"We just hit some uncharacteristic shots on that front nine, but they really stayed positive. As we made the turn, (assistant) coach Monica Vaughn texted to let me know a couple putts dropped, and I saw a couple birdies too. I was like, all right, you can feel the momentum get going. So, got off to a slow start, but I'm extremely proud of how we finished."
– – –
TEXAS A&M HEAD COACH GERROD CHADWELL
“The golf course plays tougher in the afternoon. It firms up and dries up a little bit. For the most part, I think we handled it really well. We were still in the lead at the turn and leaked a little bit of oil in the middle of the back nine, but we ended well. The team is a little disappointed, but I will take a team that is disappointed with being where we are now. We will flush today out and get ready for tomorrow.”
– – –
SAN JOSE STATE HEAD COACH DANA DORMANN AND SPARTANS (VIDEO IN LINKS)
Head Coach Dana Dormann
Natasha Andrea Oon (Shot 68 in 2nd round)
Kajsa Arwefjäll (Shot 68 in 2nd round)
– – –
FLORIDA STATE HEAD COACH AMY BOND
“We played another solid round of consistent golf. Any day you can improve on a course like this is a good day, and we did certainly improve today. All the girls did a good job of taking what the course gave them. There were a few unforced errors, but we played through them pretty well. Overall, I thought they played another solid round.”
– – –
ARIZONA STATE SOPHOMORE ASHLEY MENNE
(On her performance today)
"Everything just felt better today, my driver and putting was really good. The weather really made a difference. Yesterday was gusting like 20-mph winds and it was hot and pace of play was just not it. Just everything today was awesome. I think my team also played really great. We had good energy throughout the entire round."
(On if the team feels any pressure as the host)
"Honestly, this year feels almost more relaxed than last year. I think everything's kind of settled in a bit and people are used to having it in Arizona. I don't know, it feels like home for me, too. I'm not really honestly phased. It almost doesn't feel like a tournament, that sounds crazy, but it’s true."
(On what she wants to improve on tomorrow)
"I had a double today, which I probably shouldn't have had but just maybe a little lag putting, probably going to work on that. Irons feel good, driver feels good. Just hitting everything kind of in the short grass helps. The rough is pretty dense out here this week."
(On the differences from today to yesterday)
'So different. Even the way the greens reacted today, they were softer, more receptive, less dried out. The winds obviously didn’t pick up, so it's just easier to have confidence in the shot you're hitting and not having to calculate, ‘Okay, I need to hit this far left and two clubs up or two clubs down,’ so it just made the round a little more simple."
– – –
FURMAN HEAD COACH JEFF HULL TALKING ABOUT ANNA MORGAN
“Anna has really played well the last couple of days. This is obviously a tough golf course, and she has done a great job with course management and taking advantage when opportunities presented themselves. Having not been here before, I think her confidence is growing each day and I look forward to watching her the final two rounds.”
– – –
VIRGINIA'S BETH LILLIE'S
NOTE: Her 3-under 69 ties the fourth best single-round score by a Cavalier at the NCAA Championships. She finished ninth at last year’s Championship which was the fourth best finish by a UVA competitor at the Championship
“I felt comfortable on the front nine. The wind was pretty calm in the morning and that was nice. I hit a couple of close approaches and had a couple of close birdies fall in and I had no bogeys, so that was good. On the back nine, the wind picked up a little bit and made the course a little more difficult. I fought through that but still played pretty well. You don’t really push on this golf course. It is not a course you can overpower or try and trick out and beat. You have to hit really good, consistent golf shots for 18 holes. I tried my best to do that.”
“Course management is the most important thing out here. You really have to stick to a plan. It is really easy to want to go for something or to vere from your plan. You just have to tough it out with the wind and tough it out with the fast greens. You have to take pars as momentum builders because they really are.”
– – –
VANDERBILT HEAD COACH GREG ALLEN
“I thought today was another day with a great start, but we just couldn’t finish. For some reason, I think we are losing focus on the middle of our last nine holes. If we can correct that tomorrow, then I truly believe we can put together a great round and move up the board.”I’m going to bed tonight believing we still have a chance to make the cut,” said Allen. “I won’t stop believing that until they tell me we don’t have a Monday tee time.”
– – –
ALABAMA HEAD COACH MIC POTTER
“We got off to another slow start, making two triples, a double and a bogey on No. 4, to go with only one birdie. That killed our momentum, and we couldn’t get it back. We are now in a position that requires us to be aggressive tomorrow, so hopefully that will free us up.”
– – –
LSU HEAD COACH GARRETT RUNION
“When you have the afternoon wave and you can see what the morning wave is doing. We knew it was going to be a hang-on type day and we did that today. We didn’t make a ton of birdies except in the middle and at the end. There were a lot of pars and not a lot of big mistakes. We played 7-9 extemely well and 16, 17-18 well and that was the difference. Ingrid (Lindblad) eagle (on 18) jumps us up where we can get that early tee time tomorrow and get us closer to the lead. Carla’s birdie on 17 was big for an even par round. We were very pleased with how things went today. I told Elsa (Svensson) that the likelihood of her playing well today after a bad round was higher than normal. She played so steady at a time we needed it. It was very good round for her and remember she’s a freshman in her first national championship. Latanna (Stone) fought through it. She’s still a little under the weather and exhausted, but she played a good round. Ingrid was patient all day. Eight straight pars and an eagle on the back nine. She played well after a couple of bogeys on the front nine. Carla played well and had a good round.”
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ROUND ONE (FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022) -- CLICK HERE FOR NCAA.COM FIRST ROUND RECAP
STANFORD HEAD COACH ANNE WALKER
(On today’s round and battling the wind)
"We were prepared for that. We had seen the weather forecast and knew that was coming in. We talked about having to take advantage of the opportunities when we had them because we knew we were going to be really challenged by the wind. It was even more challenging than I think we thought. Very proud of the team I think it was a collective effort. Some players came up big there at the end and some players came up big early. All around amazing day."
(On Rose Zhang)
"One-putt Rose. When the going got tough she was unflappable. She was so patient. She made mistakes — let’s not say mistakes — she was out of position like everyone else was with the gusts and she stayed so patient. She used her short game to save her. I think she one-putted seven times on the back nine. Short games win championships."
(On Sadie Englemann)
She was incredible there in the back nine. What happened for Sadie is she just stayed really patient. She’s been working on that for two years now and I think today she saw how important that was.
(On her message to the team with a short turnaround to tomorrow)
We’ve been here before and we know that sleep is top of mind. We’re going to get back, get hydrated and get lights out as quick as possible.
STANFORD'S ROSE ZHANG
"I feel like I played the best that I could (given the conditions). It was definitely a grind out there. Coach talked about it before the round — it was to be expected. The wind picked up on the back nine. I started off with a bogey on one and a bogey on three and it was just a constant grind. The back nine where I started off, I had to engage in every single shot and try to convert every putt. I feel like the putts were rolling, the putts were dropping, and that’s what helped me get to the score."
(On the eagle on No. 4 and how that changed momentum)
"We had to wait after No. 3 for a ruling and I had some time to reset a little bit. I hit a really good drive, well past my competitors, and that allowed me to have a semi-short shot in. I had 190 to the flag and I hit a five iron right into the ridge to seven feet. And converted it. The next couple holes were still a grind, I feel like it relaxed me that I was a few shots under par. The back, after that, wasn’t smooth sailing but I was able to grind efficiently.
(On her par save on No. 9 after driving into the fairway bunker)
This was a very typical hole for my round today. I had a lot like that. On No. 7 I was left in the bushes and I had to do the same thing to convert birdie. The ninth hole today was the epitome of my round. My teammates were cheering — they were so loud and supportive — and it gives us good momentum into tomorrow.
(On her mindset as the leader)
I definitely have some control shots that I want to review and go over a little bit of course management. I was over the green on a lot of holes and that’s what you can’t do on this course. I was fortunate enough to get up and down most of the time, but it’s definitely something to review. I usually take it day-by-day. Our whole team has that mentality.
STANFORD'S SADIE ENGLEMANN
(On today’s round)
"It was really fun out there. I got off to a little bit of a slow start. Being in the national championship it was a lot more pressure, a lot more nerves. But finishing two over on the front nine was honestly solid and kept me in it. Then I felt really comfortable the first three holes and made three birdies in a row and felt really confident the rest of the round."
(On the course and today’s conditions)
I’ve probably played this course over 20 times and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the wind quite like this. It’s difficult when it’s gusting because you don’t know what it’s going to do on any hole. We don’t play in a ton of gusting wind, but I was able to stick with it and mentally calm myself.
(On what she learned from today’s round)
I learned that I can play this course in extremely tough conditions and I think tomorrow without the wind I can capitalize on some shots I didn’t necessarily have today because of the wind. It’s a long tournament, so keeping in it.
– – –
TEXAS A&M HEAD COACH GERROD CHADWELL
NOTE: Today matched the lowest round in program history at the NCAA Championships (also 292 in 2014).
(On what the Aggies did well…)
“Day one is in the books. I thought we adjusted well. The golf course is playing a little more difficult than yesterday with some wind out there. All in all, we kept our composure, had a good start and finished well.”
(On making adjustments to the course…)
“The important thing here is to keep the ball in the fairway. We made some adjustments based on the wind conditions and changed some clubs that we hit yesterday to make sure we kept the ball in the short grass. We handled our emotions really well and had a huge round from Zoe [Slaughter]. Everyone had great moments and I am excited for where we are at.”
(On having an early start today, and a late start for round two…)
“I like our draw going with an early start today and a late one tomorrow. Late to early seems to be tough because you come off the course late and then get back out there early the next morning. I am happy that we get to have a good night’s rest and get ready to battle out here tomorrow afternoon.”
TEXAS A&M SOPHOMORE ZOE SLAUGHTER AFTER SHOOTING 3-UNDER 69
“We had an early tee time which was great. Our whole team was ready to go this morning and we were fired up. I knew we needed a good round this morning to start things off. I was in a great mood and had a plan to attack the course however I could. My ball striking was pretty good and my speed when putting was solid. Having good speed on the greens helps a lot because even when you miss, you will just have a short tap in to finish.”
(On her birdie on No. 18)
“It was a nerve wracking shot over the water, but we picked the right club with a four hybrid and hit it to about 20 feet. It didn’t break at the end how I thought for eagle, but I had a committed line and took a committed shot to put myself in a good spot for birdie.”
– – –
AUBURN HEAD COACH MELISSA LUELLEN
“A respectable start. We had that little monkey on our back from last year when we played so poorly on the first day. This was a small win. It wasn’t the best day we wanted, but it wasn’t a terrible day. We threw away a few shots out there, but they also hit a lot of great shots.”
– – –
MICHIGAN HEAD COACH JAN DOWLING AFTER ROUND ONE
"We had a bit of a tough start as the winds picked up right at the start of our round. It was great to see us settle in nicely though. We adjusted to the conditions and focused on our planning for the day. We learned a great deal today about the greens -- how the ball is releasing as well as speed control. Adjustments will be made. Our best rounds are here in front of us. Lots of golf left."
"Hailey (Borja) & Ashley (Lau) had very solid rounds today. Their ball striking was super solid and they converted on their opportunities. It’s tough to get the ball close out here, and they took advantage when they could."
MICHIGAN SENIOR ASHLEY LAU AFTER SHOOTING 72 (EVEN)
"I definitely struggled a little on the first nine, however, I told myself to keep my head high and try to forgive myself quickly. I focused on taking advantage of the reachable par 5s (except 18) and it paid off. So, I am happy with the results and ready to get back out there tomorrow afternoon."
MICHIGAN JUNIOR HAILEY BORJA AFTER SHOOTING 72 (EVEN)
"It was a good round. I had some really good putts fall. There were those two holes (Nos. 4-5), that I just struggled on. I put myself in tough positions and couldn’t get them up and down. Tomorrow is a different day. We need to have the same mindset as today. Focus on the middle of fairways and middle of greens. It is a tough course to get some close shots in. So playing the strong side is what is really important.
- - -
LSU HEAD COACH GARRETT RUNION AFTER SUBBING ALDEN WALLACE FOR JESS BAILEY ON DAY ONE
“This morning we woke up and Latanna (Stone) and Jess (Bailey) were not feeling very well. Latanna said she could fight it out, which I figured she would. Jess wasn’t feeling good. I said, ‘I’ll leave it up to you,’ and she did a mature senior thing and said it would be better for the team if Alden played. So, I ran over an hour before we started and told Alden she was in and she didn’t even break stride. She said, ‘Yes, sir,’ and went off and played an unbelievable round. It was her first round of the spring in the national championship. She loves the big stage. Posted a 1-over round. She drove the ball well. That eagle on seven (her 16th of the day) really made it a good way to finish. I felt completely comfortable that she could handle the stage, hit the shots and knew the course (having played in the event last year).”
– – –
GEORGIA HEAD COACH JOSH BREWER ON THE BULLDOGS STRONG FINISH TO DAY ONE
“Could we just have the final six holes and only count that? It was a poor start, but we battled and kept ourselves where we have real hope. We finally settled in. Hopefully, we can ride that momentum into rounds two and three, kind of like we did at Regionals. We ended day one there pretty strong and took off on day two and most of day =three. That’s the way we’re going to look at it. We know we’re good enough to play better than we did today. Now, we’ll just get ready for tomorrow.”
GEORGIA JUNIOR CATERINA DON AFTER SHOOTING 1-OVER 73
“I tried to go out there with no expectations and just play shot-by-shot. I’ve spoken to a mental coach a couple of times over the past few weeks, and I think it worked fine today. There were a couple of mistakes but overall, my long game is getting much better and I’m confident that the next few days I can do something really good. I think the biggest point on this golf course is giving yourself opportunities. There are holes where you can have opportunities, and there are holes where if you’re out of position you just have to try and get a par or accept stress-free bogeys sometimes. I think the biggest point is just going out and giving yourself opportunities. If you can do that, sometimes they’re going to fall in.”
– – –
TCU HEAD COACH ANGIE RAVAIOLI-LARKIN
"We are excited to be competing at the national championship. The golf course is absolutely in great condition. The volunteers and staff are incredible and making us all feel like professionals. Our players played with heart and soul today. We must continue to stay patient and keep it simple. This golf course fits our great ball striking and putting with our excellent speed. We have a confident mindset and are ready for a great day tomorrow.
"Sabrina (Iqbal) played beautiful all day. She stayed present and positive and kept it super simple. I am proud of her growth and leadership."
NOTE: Sabrina Iqbal, who posted a 1-under 71, carded her 21st round of par or better this season, one behind teammate Caitlyn Macnab (22) for the TCU season record.
– – –
SOUTH CAROLINA HEAD COACH KALEN ANDERSON
“It was an extremely challenging back nine today with very gusty winds. There is a ton of golf remaining, and we are still very much in reach of the top eight for match play. We will need to play solid, Gamecock golf for the remainder of the week. I look forward to the fight ahead with this group."
ALABAMA HEAD COACH MIC POTTER
“Considering we were seven over after, I think, two holes, I’m pretty happy with where we finished today. I think the wind increased 5-10 mph about six to seven holes in a row, and the girls managed it really well, especially in positions when it could have gone badly. I’m really proud of how they handled adversity to keep themselves in the ball game. We have a lot more good golf ahead of us.”
– – –
UTSA HEAD COACH SUMMER BATISTE (TWO-TIME CONFERENCE USA COACH OF THE YEAR)
NOTE: Camryn Carreon is the first Roadrunner to advance past an NCAA Regional. Carreon carded a 1-over-par 73 and is part of a nine-way tie for 18th place in the 132-player field. The San Antonio native is five shots off the pace of 4-under set by Stanford’s Rose Zhang, the top-ranked collegiate player, and she sits one stroke out of a tie for sixth place at even par. Carreon, the tournament’s No. 8-seeded individual is second among the dozen individuals in the field behind only Furman’s Anna Morgan (E).
“Very solid play from Camryn today. We knew that the wind was going to pick up for the afternoon waves, so our goal was to stay disciplined in picking great lines from tee to green. She did a great job of staying the course while using her short game to keep the momentum going throughout the round. There are a lot of great takeaways from today that we look to carrying into the weekend.”
– – –
VANDERBILT HEAD COACH GREG ALLEN
“I thought we looked really solid the first 11 holes, but we sure didn’t handle those last seven very well. Celina (Sattelkau) played really well today and seems to always show up for big rounds. Although today wasn’t our day, I still believe in this team. We obviously have a lot of work to do the next two days, but I truly believe this team has what it takes to make it to Monday.”
– – –
FLORIDA STATE HEAD COACH AMY BOND
“I thought we put together a really good round of golf. The wind was blowing 25-30 miles per hour; the girls really hung in well to play well in those conditions. We are looking to play in calmer conditions tomorrow, which will make this a more getable golf course.”
– – –
OREGON HEAD COACH DEREK RADLEY
"I was proud of our effort today. We really battled and hung tough. It was tricky; the wind certainly was a little bit more than we thought it was going to be. The thing I'm most proud about Heather (Tze-Han Heather Linis), she's able to stay in the moment. She's got a lot coming up with graduation in her future, but she was still able to give us everything she's got. We asked her to lead the troops today, so to speak, and she did that."
ARKANSAS HEAD COACH SHAUNA TAYLOR
“We got off to a slow start today. The beauty of this championship is that we have more days to climb the leaderboard. We couldn’t get anything going today, but I know we are prepared for the climb up the board. We look forward to the challenge ahead of us.”
– – –
USC HEAD COACH JUSTIN SILVERSTEIN
"This group should be so proud of the way they battled and hung in there during this incredibly tough round. We got off to a very difficult start but held it together nicely when conditions started to get super dicey.”
USC SOPHOMORE BRIANNA NAVARROSA
“Today was all about patience. One mental slip and it would cost you big time. All throughout today, I took each shot one at a time. Being patient and keeping my emotions in check is what kept me in it all the way to the end. I trusted that at some point the putts would fall, no matter how long it took. That’s golf.”
– – –
SAN JOSE STATE HEAD COACH DANA DORMANN
Hear from head coach @DanaDormann after the Spartans first round at the NCAA Championships.#SpartanUp | #NCAAGolf pic.twitter.com/OdU2viKwG4
— San Jose State Women's Golf (@SanJoseStWGOLF) May 21, 2022