FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The quest for a national title by the Vanderbilt women’s golf team ended Monday when the Commodores did not advance to match play at the NCAA Championships.
The Vanderbilt contingent struggled with the combination of demanding conditions and slick greens at Blessings Golf Club for the third consecutive round, finishing with a 19-over-par total of 311.
The Commodores, who entered the national championships off an NCAA Regional title in Opelika, Alabama, ended the tournament in 23rd place, with a three-day total of 946.
While head coach Greg Allen acknowledged the Commodores’ disappointment performance in Arkansas, he was pleased with the team’s overall season that featured six tournament victories, the most in program history.
“We came in the NCAAs with high expectations but it really was a tough week for us,” Allen said. “I knew this course was really difficult but I thought we would’ve handled it better. We just never got comfortable, especially on the greens. We had a lot of birdie looks today but not many dropped.
“Although we’re disappointed, I know this was a really good learning experience for our girls and one that will help us down the road. We took a huge step forward for our program this year and I’m excited about our future.”
The nationally ranked Commodores are expected to return four of the five participants from this year’s squad. The 2019-20 squad will return all but Courtney Zeng, who provided solid leadership and scoring ability in her senior campaign.