Results

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — A pair of newcomers led the way in the spring opener as the Pacific Lutheran University women's golf team placed eighth at the West Coast Classic on Tuesday afternoon at Canyon Crest Country Club.

Jayda Thomas and Maddie Downie led the Lutes' in their PLU debuts, both netting top 40 finishes. Thomas tied for 27th overall after shooting a two-round tally of 172. Thomas opened the tourney with a round of 88 on Monday before shaving off four strokes on Tuesday with an 84. That round allowed Thomas to move up nine spots on the leaderboard from day one to day two.
 
Downie also improved as the tournament progressed, shooting a 91 on Monday and an 89 on Tuesday. Downie's score of 180 was good for 38th place.
 
Kathleen Pullin was 43rd with a 192 (99-93) while Kate Sabarillo was 44th with a 200 (105-95). 

"For our first tournament we came out of the gates a little rusty," said Head Coach Al Patterson. 

"Day two was much better for everyone. Nice to see some new team members, Jayda and Maddie, on the course. When we add Emily Alicea I think we will suprise some people this spring!"
 
PLU placed eighth in the team standings against a star-studded field that included several of the nation's top teams, including Pomona-Pitzer Colleges and University of Redlands. Pomona-Pitzer won the team title by five strokes with a two-round score of 603 (307-296), while Redlands was runner-up with a score of 608 (302-306).
 
The Lutes had a score of 744, shooting a 383 on Monday before slicing off 22 strokes on Tuesday, carding a 361 as a team during the final round. 
 
Hannah Ulibarri from The Master's University claimed medalist honors, winning by four strokes with a 145 (74-71). 
 
The Lutes have the rest of the month off and will be back in action on March 14 for round one of the Willamette Valley Cup in Salem, Oregon.