Arizona Closes Strong, Moves into Tie for Seventh at NCAA Championship

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – The Arizona women’s golf team showed why they continue to be one of the top teams in the country, posting a score of 289 (+1) in the third round of the NCAA Women’s Golf Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club to tie Florida State for the best team score of the day. The Wildcats three-day team score of 869 (+5) is tied with Texas A&M for seventh place heading into Monday’s final round of stroke play.  

Arizona entered Sunday’s round in a tie for 13th. The top eight teams after Monday’s round advance to the match play portion of the NCAA Championship on Tuesday. 

Freshman Nena Wongthanavimok also showcased her talents in difficult conditions, carding her second round of 3-under par 69 this week. She is 5-under par for the tournament and tied for fifth individually. USC’s Catherine Park is the individual leader at 10-under par through three rounds.  

“I have learned a lot this week,” Wongthanavimok said following the round, “especially to be very patient. It’s very hot out there, so I try to stay focused and stay present as best I can.” 

“To be honest, I don’t really think about it. I will do my best tomorrow and stick to the plan as always.” 

“Finishing strong tomorrow would be a great way for me to finish my freshman year. It would be a very good memory for me before I go back home to Thailand.” 

Sophomore Carolina Melgrati posted her second straight round of 1-under par 71 with four birdies and three bogeys in her third round, highlights by a long birdie putt on the par 3 16th and then another birdie on the par 5 18th hole. Individually, Melgrati is tied for 18th at 1-under par for the tournament. 

Senior Gile Bite Starkute logged a round of 2-over par 74 on Sunday, battling through a tough stretch of holes in the middle of the round to play the final six holes in two under. 

Arizona will tee off at 11:06 a.m. off No. 10 on Monday. The Golf Channel will have live coverage from Scottsdale from 2:00 p.m….