University of Tennessee Athletics
University of Tennessee
NCAA Regional
Lady Vols Earn Championship Berth
May 09, 2015 | Women's Golf
SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The Lady Vols are are headed to the NCAA Championships after posting a final round score of 293 at the San Antonio Regional, which was good for third place. The team total of 850 (-14) is the program's second lowest score after 54 holes.
With the third place finish, Tennessee earned its sixth-straight top five finish of the season. At the helm of the program, head coach Judi Pavon has now led UT to its 10th NCAA Championship event and first since the 2011-12 season. This will be the Lady Vols 12th appearance in the national tournament.
"This was a really great week," Pavon said. "I'm really proud of them for hanging tough all three days. Even though we had a cushion going into today there was still pressure because you never know what can happen. They had to hang in there to finish in the top six.
"We had a few too many bogeys today but at least that will keep them hungry knowing there's more out there heading into the championships."
Baylor earned the win shooting seven-under par in the final round and combining for a team total of 842 (-22). UCLA moved up two spots from yesterday to finish as runner-up with a score of 845 (-19).
From the San Antonio Regional, Baylor, UCLA, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Washington and Texas Tech are the teams that advance to the NCAA Championships.
Sophomore Emmie Pietila finished in fourth place to lead the team. She carded rounds of 69, 69 and 71. Her combined total of 209 (-7) marks her career best score.
"I'm really proud of Emmie," Pavon said. "She broke par all three days, and she finished fourth in a very competitive field. She was mentally tough for us the entire time. She was in the last group of the day and handled that so well. She had a really great tournament."
Lucia Polo carded her third score at or below par in the final round with a 71 (-1). Her final round was highlighted by four birdies, including three consecutive to start the back nine. Polo finished with a total of 212, which placed her in a tie for sixth.
Anna Newell recorded a 74 (+2) to finish in a tie for 13th place with a combined total of 214. In her first two rounds, the freshman recorded scores of 68 and 72. Senior AJ Newell shot five-over par in the final round. Her total of 217 (+1) finished her in a tie for 26th place. Hannah Pietila finished the tournament seven-over par after a final round of 78 (+6). She posted rounds of 70, 75 and 78.
The Lady Vols will have two weeks to prepare before heading to Bradenton, Florida for the NCAA Championships. The tournament will be hosted at the Concession Golf Club from May 22-27.
"They'll need some rest after this week," Pavon said. "We have to adjust and get ready for some heat. It was hot today but it'll definitely be hot in Florida. We will get ready. I don't have a doubt in my mind that we'll go in prepared and confident for the NCAA Championships."
For continued coverage of Tennessee women's golf, follow the team on Twitter @LadyVol_Golf or visit UTSports.com.​
| TEAM SCORES | ||
| 1. | Baylor | 280-281-281--842 (-22) |
| 2. | UCLA | 278-286-281--845 (-19) |
| 3. | Tennessee | 276-281-293--850 (-14) |
| 4. | Texas A&M | 281-283-290--854 (-10) |
| T5. | Washington | 281-281-300--862 (-2) |
| T5. | Texas Tech | 292-283-287--862 (-2) |
| 7. | Texas | 287-284-293--864 (E) |
| 8. | Oregon | 291-288-286--865 (+1) |
| 9. | Arizona State | 296-282-293--871 (+7) |
| T10. | Oklahoma | 288-293-293--874 (+10) |
| T10. | Florida State | 291-291-292--874 (+10) |
| 12. | Auburn | 291-293-292--876 (+12) |
| 13. | Houston | 300-288-293--881 (+17) |
| 14. | Kennesaw State | 298-301-299--898 (+34) |
| 15. | Gonzaga | 306-300-297--903 (+39) |
| 16. | Lamar | 305-299-310--914 (+50) |
| 17. | Boston University | 304-315-313--932 (+68) | 18. | Alabama State University | 315-308-313--936 (+72) |
