The Idaho men’s and women’s golf teams took another step toward the end of the fall season this week.
The women competed in the Las Vegas Collegiate Showdown in Las Vegas, Nevada, while the men traveled to Pebble Beach, California, to compete in the Saint Mary’s Invitational.
On the first day of play, the women’s golf team finished the first round 10-under-par. Freshman Clara Moyano fired a 5-under-par 67 to help the Vandals end the day in second place.
“Clara had a break-through round today,” Idaho head coach Lisa Johnson said in a news release. “Her game has been improving steadily this fall. This golf course suits her long ball off the tee and she capitalized on her short approach shots to the green.”
Moyano was selected as Big Sky Golfer of the Week for her game.
In addition to Moyano’s 67, junior Kendall Gray finished the first round a stroke behind at 68. Sophomore Michelle Kim finished the day with an even-par 71.
The course in Las Vegas is familiar to the Vandals — its where they earned Big Sky Conference Champions.
“We’ve had great success on this course, including winning a conference championship,” Johnson said. “It has made the transition from last week to this week very encouraging.
Idaho finished the second round in third place with a 16-under-par 560. UNLV slipped past the Vandals by one stroke to take second place. The Baylor Bears finished the tournament on top, 25-under-par 551.
Four of the five Vandals finished the tournament under par. Moyano tied for sixth with a 6-under-par 138, with Gray tied for tenth with a 139. Hasenoerhl and Hausmann finished tied for 36th at 1-under-par 143, and Kim finished at 59th at 2-over-par 146.
“This is one of the best performances Idaho golf has had in years. This was a very competitive, deep field,” Johnson said.
The men’s golf team attempted to tackle the Poppy Hill Golf Course this week. Senior Ryan Porch led the Vandals with an 11-over-par 227, and tied for 46th.
Idaho finished the tournament with a 79-over-par 931.
The women’s team’s season continues Feb. 27-28 at the Gold Rush tournament. The men’s team finishes its fall season Nov. 1-2 in Princeville, Hawaii, competing in the Warrior Princeville Makai Invitational.
Mihaela Karst can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @mihaela_jo