Bears In Eighth After First Round Of NCAA Regional

Junior Tzu-Yi Chang was Cal’s top finisher after the first round of the NCAA Stillwater Regional.

WGOLF5/9/2022 5:01 PM | By: Cal Athletics

Chang Tied For 15th Individually Heading Into Second Round

STILLWATER, Okla. – The Cal women’s golf team got off to a strong start Monday before missing a handful of putts on the back nine and stands in eighth place after the first round of the NCAA Stillwater Regional at Karsten Creek Golf Course.

The Bears shot 8-over on the front nine – including six birdies – but faltered on the few final holes and stand at 24-over par. Baylor leads the 12-team regional at 4-over par.

“I thought we were really good for about 12 holes,” Cal head coach Nancy McDaniel said. “I think we lost a little steam. We also lost some patience, and those turn into bogeys before you know it.”

Junior Tzu-Yi Chang was the Bears’ top finisher at 3-over par, which puts her in a tie for 15^th place individually. Sophomore Cristina Ochoa was Cal’s next-best individual at 5-over.

“We know what this team is capable of,” McDaniel said. “This is where you grow as a team. There are so many lessons learned at a regional championship.”

Golfers at the Stillwater Regional had to navigate mid-90s temperatures and strong winds at one of the more challenging courses in college golf. The Bears have shown an inclination to improve as tournaments progress this season, a trend they hope to continue as they try to climb into contention to advance to the NCAA Championships. The top four teams at the regional will qualify, and Cal is 16 strokes out of the No. 4 spot but only four shots out of sixth place.

“I think we are that kind of team. Our players are Cal students, so they are obviously good learners,” McDaniel said. “If we can improve each day, that’s what it’s all about. I’m encouraged by what we saw today on really difficult holes. I think we know we can do it.”

Cal tees off Tuesday for the second round at 6 a.m. PT.