NYU Women's Golf Takes Fifth at NCAA Championship

NYU Women's Golf Takes Fifth at NCAA Championship

From NYU Athletics

The New York University women's golf team posted its best-ever national finish, taking fifth place at the NCAA Division III Championship. The four-round tournament was held at the par-72, 5,869-yard Bay Oaks Country Club in Houston, TX, Tuesday-Friday, May 9-12.

The Violets, whose best national finish was 10th back in 2015, produced a final-round score of 317 and an overall total of 1246. The squad entered Friday's final round in sixth place, but caught the University of Texas at Tyler as both teams tied for fifth. The Patriots shot 319 on Friday.

Rhodes College won the 22-team competition with its four-round total of 1217. George Fox University (1219), Wittenberg University (1229) and Williams College (1235) followed behind in second, third and fourth, respectively.

Sophomore Jenni Bluetling led the way for the Violets on Friday, shooting four-over-par 76 and finishing in a tie for 19th place individually. Her four-day total of 307 (82-73-76-76) placed Bluetling as NYU's second-low scorer behind junior Alyssa Poentis, who finished tied for 11th after shooting 77 on Friday and 304 (80-72-75-77) overall.

"Those two were our rocks all season long, and they certainly came to play this week," said Head Coach Brad Johnson. "A few breaks here and there and they easily could have finished higher in the standings."

Sophomore Patty Treevichaphan remained steady throughout the week, shooting 82 on Friday and totaling 317 (79-80-76-82) for the tournament. She finished in a tie for 33rd place just ahead of freshman Arisa Kimura, whose consistent play resulted in a four-day total of 320 (81-78-79-82) and a tie for 37th place.

Rounding out the NYU contingent was junior Kristin Lee, who shot 329 (80-86-81-82) and tied for 49th place in the 116-person field.

"We would have liked to be in the mix down the stretch, but it just didn't work out that way," Johnson said. "Still, a top-five finish nationally is nothing to regret. We have a great group here who will only be stronger next season. I expect us to be back at this tournament next year and be right there at the end."  

In addition to their best-ever national finish, the Violets won five tournaments during the season, including the University Athletic Association (UAA) and the Liberty League championships. NYU also captured the Jekyll Island Collegiate, St. Lawrence and Jack Leaman invitationals.

"An outstanding season overall," Johnson expressed. "And much to look forward to next season."