WESTFIELD, Ind. — Vanderbilt women’s golf began its quest for back-to-back NCAA Regional wins with an opening round 1-under par 287 at The Club at Chatham Hills at the Westfield Regional on Monday. The Commodores sit tied for sixth place with Virginia after 18 holes.
Four schools—Iowa State, Oregon State, Vanderbilt, and Virginia—are all separated by one stroke while vying for the final two spots to advance with two rounds remaining. The Commodores are looking to make the NCAA Championships for the third time in five years.
“With the exception of a couple poor tee shots on 17, I thought we played okay,” said head coach Greg Allen. “We had it rolling for a while today, but just didn’t finish it. There’s still plenty of time for us. I’d like to see us play the par 5s better. I think we pressed a little too much on them today trying to force it.”
All-SEC First Team senior Celina Sattelkau led Vanderbilt in the opening round as she carded a 3-under-par 69, tying her for fifth place individually. Besides a bogey on the fourth hole, Sattelkau kept a clean sheet with four birdies.
Virginie Ding finished the first round at even-par 72 with two straight birdies on Nos. 12 and 13. SEC Freshman of the Year Lynn Lim and All-SEC Freshman Team member Tillie Claggett both notched 73s that have them tied for 30th individually. Senior Tess Davenport was 2 over at 74 strokes.
Vanderbilt leads the Westfield Regional with 64 total pars after the opening round.
Tulsa recorded a 9-under-par 287 to take a one-shot lead over Mississippi State, with the Bulldogs’ Julia Lopez Ramirez pacing the field individually after carding a 5-under-par 67.
“After the practice round yesterday I was thinking this course might give way to some low scores. And I think our low round is out there” said Allen. “The girls are playing well and this golf course fits our games. We need to stay patient and know our time is coming.”
The Commodores tee off with Michigan and Oregon at 7 a.m. CT Tuesday. Live scoring can be found HERE.
