On Feb. 25, the University of Idaho women’s golf team visited Phoenix, Arizona, to play in Grand Canyon University’s Grand Canyon Invitational. A total of five schools participated in this event. Out of those five, the Vandals placed third behind only GCU and Northern Illinois.
The other two schools behind the Vandals were Wyoming and Northwood. This is the second time this season that the Vandals have placed in the top three, the first time being in Missoula at the Sun Mountain Intercollegiate.
The Vandals were impressive over the competition redshirt senior as Boram Jung placed fourth, senior Kaylin Johnson tied for 11th and sophomore Ella Kozak tied for 13th. Jung acquired the first top five finish of her career, a huge milestone for any golfer. Jung accomplished this by going one under and with a team-best 68 in the second round, which was highlighted by an eagle on the par-four 15th. She holed out from 40 yards away. She added an even-par 72 in the final round to secure her top-five finish and her first career tournament under par.
Johnson was 10-over, posting consistent rounds of 75, 76 and 75. Kozak went 12-over, highlighted by an even-par 72 in the second round. Sophomore Laura Caamano placed 16th after she ended with a score of 14-over and Zoe Newell tied for 23rd with a score of 21-over.
The competition was tough for the Vandals. Grand Canyon’s freshman Alexis Vakasiuola, the reigning National Mid-Major Player of the Week, claimed medalist honors at 11-under. GCU had four players place in the top 10 and two players go under par. This proves that the Vandals can perform even with the pressure of great players being there as well.
This invitational was one of the best performances from the Vandals all season, if not the best. This could be good for the team, as momentum is important for teams to continue to do well. The Vandals have more than a month off as they prepare for the Georgia State Invitational on March 30 at Rivermont Golf Club in John’s Creek, Georgia.
