SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – Chalk up another win for the top-ranked Stanford women's golf team.
After pulling away for victories at the Peg Barnard Invitational and Allstate Sugar Bowl Intercollegiate, the Cardinal had to dig deep on Tuesday at the Bruin Wave Invitational at San Luis Obispo Country Club.
Stanford held on for a one-stroke victory in the 15-team tournament for its third consecutive victory, matching the program record established by Anne Walker, the Milias Director of Women's Golf, during her first season in 2012-13.
The Cardinal led wire-wire, posting scores of 293-294-305 to finish at 26-over 902. Ninth-ranked UCLA made up seven shots in the final round but came up one short, shooting 304-301-298 to conclude at 27-over 903. Second-ranked USC placed third at 913.
"We weren't at our best today and it took all we had to stay on top of UCLA," said Walker. "The course played like a major championship course and it required a lot of patience and perseverance. We played with more frustration than patience. We will learn a ton from this experience and use it to make us better the rest of the season."
Individually, senior Casey Danielson (72-76-75) and freshman Albane Valenzuela (70-77-76) tied for third at 4-over 223 on the par-73 layout. Danielson has now finished seventh or higher six straight times this season and has placed fourth or better in her last four starts. Valenzuela's showing was a career best and her third top 10 performance in a row.
Lilia Vu of co-host UCLA earned medalist honors at even par 219.
Freshman Andrea Lee (76-74-76), a three-time winner this season, tied for 11th at 7-over 226, freshman Madie Chou (75-77-80) tied for 20th at 13-over 232, while junior Shannon Aubert (77-78-78) earned a share of 22nd at 14-over 233.
The Stanford B Team produced an eighth-place showing. Senior Jisoo Keel (73-74-79) led the way by tying for 11th at 226. Senior Quirine Eijkenboom (79-78-77) tied for 26th at 15-over 234; sophomore Sierra Kersten (76-82-80) tied for 37th at 19-over 238; freshman Ziyi Wang (78-79-82) tied for 42nd at 20-verr 239; and junior Calli Ringsby (83-84-80) tied for 65th at 28-over 247.
Next up for Stanford is the Anuenue Spring Break Classic, March 27-29 at Kapalua Bay Golf Club in Maui, Hawaii.