Women’s Golf Finishes Third in Final Fall Tournament of the Season.

The University of Central Oklahoma women’s golf team finished third this past Tuesday at the Regional Preview, hosted by Missouri Western State University at St. Joseph Country Club in Missouri.

UCO shot rounds of 311 and 317 for a final score of 628 in the 36-hole event. Southwestern Oklahoma State won the tournament with a 616, while Harding finished one shot ahead of Central Oklahoma at 627.

“Overall it was a solid event on a difficult course in difficult conditions,” said UCO women’s golf head coach Michael Bond. “We had a chance to win the event and came up short.”

Freshman Grace Hall tied for third individually for the Bronchos, with rounds of 77 and 75 for an 8-over-par 152. Later in the week, she was named Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA) Women’s Golf Co-Athlete of the Week.

 “After getting third place at the last tournament, I realized that I was capable of competing with other college golfers,” Hall said. “Playing well just gives me motivation to play even better.”

Behind Hall, Estela Castillo finished eighth at an 11-over-par 155, with rounds of 73 and 82. Makaylee Cowan and Layne Ailshie tied for 27th at 161, shooting 81 and 80 respectively. Scarlet Sturch finished 50th with a 165, shooting 80 on Monday and 85 on Tuesday.

The Bronchos have now wrapped up their fall season and will not compete again until February. In the meantime, Bond said the team will focus on improving key areas.
“Areas for improvement are definitely short iron and wedge approach shots, as well as the short game. We give away too many shots inside 120 yards.”

With those areas in mind, the Bronchos will return to action in February, hosting the Southern Invite in Houston, Texas. UCO will compete in five tournaments during the spring semester before the MIAA Women’s Golf Championships in April.