Lobos Finish Third at Branch Law Firm/Dick McGuire Invitational

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The New Mexico women’s golf team began the 2021-22 season with a third-place finish at its home event, the Branch Law Firm Dick McGuire Invitational at the UNM Championship Course. The Lobos shot 2-over during Tuesday’s third round to finish the event at 3-over.

BYU was the team champion, shooting an 8-under final round to finish at 6-under. San Jose State was the runner-up at even par, three shots ahead of the Lobos. San Diego State was fourth at 8-over while Pepperdine rounded out the top five at 10-over. Pepperdine’s Kaleiya Romero was the event’s individual champion, edging Lila Galeai of BYU in a playoff after both players finished at 10-under.

“I think we hung tough throughout the tournament,” said head coach Jill Trujillo. “The small mistakes we made cost us several shots. I think now they know we will be in the hunt at every event we go to this year. They didn’t like finishing third, even though it was a good finish in the first event of the year. I know they are hungry for more and I am excited to see what happens the rest of the fall.”

Jenny Lertsadwattana was the top performer for the Lobos, shooting a final round 68 to finish in third place on the individual leaderboard at 7-under. Lauren Lehigh finished at 3-over after a final round 75 and Myah McDonald also had a 75 on Tuesday to finish at 4-over. Tiana Cruz shot 76 in the final round to finish at 7-over while Chloe Lauer shot even par 72 on Tuesday to finish at 12-over.

Seven Lobos played as individuals with Caroline Jansson leading the way at 3-over after a final round 72. Lisa-Marie Magliano shot 73 in the final round to finish at 6-over.

The Lobos return to action Sept. 27-28 with the Molly Collegiate Invitational in Monterey, Calif.