2015 New Mexico Lobos Women’s Golf — Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational
When/Where: 7:30 a.m., Monday-Tuesday (Sept. 14-15) — UNM Championship Course
The Field vs. New Mexico: UC Davis, Cal State Fullerton, Denver, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Miami, UNLV, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oklahoma State, Oregon, Oregon State, Pepperdine, San Diego State, Stanford, UTEP, Washington State.
The 2015-16 Lobos: Manon Molle’, Eva Saulnier, Ingrid Gutierrez, Alexandra Moisand, and Sol Lee.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The 2015-16 University of New Mexico women’s golf team has its work cut out for them as the Lobos prepare for their home opener, the Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational. The 37th annual event will host eighteen teams from across the nation including the reigning NCAA Champions, Stanford University, and nine teams nationally ranked in the top 30.
“We’ve got a really good field. Some of the best players in the country will be here,” said Lobo head coach Jill Trujillo.
The Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational could see a back-to-back champion, as the Northwestern Wildcats return to defend the team title they won by eight shots in 2014. Pepperdine, the 2013 Branch/McGuire team champions, also return looking to make it two out of three after finishing fourth in last years’ event.
The strength of the field is apparent when you consider that nine teams competing have been ranked in the top 30 of Golfweek’s preseason review. UNLV came in at No. 29, San Diego State at No. 25, UC Davis at No. 22, Ohio State at No. 21, Oregon at No. 19, Pepperdine at No. 18, Northwestern at No. 12, and Oklahoma State at No. 9. As the defending NCAA champions, Stanford is ranked No. 2 by Golfweek.
Although the field is comprised of some of the most talented teams in the nation, the Lobos are also stronger this year going into their home event.
“We’re fortunate that we have our No. 1 player Mollé back in our lineup. She’s ready to go… the whole team is,” Trujillo explained. “The improvements they’ve made just from last year to this year goes to show how hard work, perseverance, and a good state of mind will get you further than you ever thought it could.”
Mollé, watched from the sidelines at last year’s invitational after breaking a bone in her foot. The injury ended her fall semester, but it did not stop her from capturing the title of 2015 Mountain West Champion or earning an individual bid to the NCAA Regionals.
“I’m really excited to play” said Mollé. “The injury is healing well, but I still have pain every day. I just try not to think about it and play golf. I think about my team and I try to do my best.”
Along with Mollé, the Lobos will have some familiar faces in their lineup for this year’s Branch/McGuire. Junior Eva Saulnier and Sophomores Ingrid Gutierrez and Alexandra Moisand will return for another shot to defend their home course. Rounding out the top five is newcomer Sol Lee from Coppell, Texas.
“We have a good team this year,” admitted Mollé. “We have some really good freshman players who played well in the first qualifiers. I’m excited to see how we do.”
With strong talent and depth on their roster, the biggest hurdle for the Lobos to overcome this season is consistency.
“We need each player shooting three consistent rounds,” said Trujillo. “A good first round is an important thing for us this year.”
The Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational is one of the nation’s top collegiate tournaments and the Championship Course is a big reason why. In addition to the lure of New Mexico’s beautiful fall weather, the 2015 Golfweek Magazine No. 19 nationally ranked collegiate course offers a significant challenge to those who step foot on the undulating greens.
“Our course is difficult to play. It’s not easy to walk,” Trujillo admitted. “That’s to our advantage. We walk and play it all the time. Add altitude in the mix and it makes for a really fun event.”
The University of New Mexico’s last Branch/McGuire victory was in 2008. With such talented teams in attendance every year, it’s easy to see why winning their home event is such a difficult task.