**Kansas State Women’s Golf: Aiming for Glory in the NCAA Championship**
**Introduction to the Journey**
As the sun rises on **Carlsbad, California**, the Kansas State women’s golf team is poised to make history. After a remarkable second-place finish in the regional round, they are gearing up for their first-ever appearance at the **NCAA Championship** this Friday, hosted at the stunning **Omni La Costa Resort & Spa**.
**The Championship Format**
This year’s championship promises excitement as it features **54 holes of stroke play** from Friday through Sunday. The initial **30-team field** will be trimmed down to just **15** teams, alongside the top nine individuals from non-advancing squads. The stakes rise even higher on Monday when the final round will determine the **eight teams** that will advance to the exhilarating match play component of the tournament.
– **Quarterfinals and Semifinals** will take place on Tuesday, culminating in the **championship match** on Wednesday.
**Head Coach’s Vision**
Head coach **[Stew Burke](https://kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/coaches/stew-burke/2590)** expressed his team’s determination: “It’s been a goal all year to compete for a national championship, not just make it to the NCAA finals. We’ve had a mix of players contributing to our lineup, and we know we must be at our best this week.”
Burke, recently named a **finalist for the [Jackie Steinmann National Coach of the Year Award](https://www.kstatesports.com/news/2025/5/13/womens-golf-burke-named-to-jackie-steinmann-national-coach-of-the-year-watch-list)**, is optimistic about his team’s focus and readiness.
**Building Momentum**
Kansas State enters this prestigious event after impressive performances, finishing in the top five in three consecutive tournaments. Notably, they secured a **fifth-place finish** at the **Big 12 Championship** and a **tie for second** at the **2025 NCAA Lexington Regional**.
**Meet the Team**
The Wildcats have maintained a strong scoring lineup, unchanged from their last two events. Notable players include:
– **[Carla Bernat](https://kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/carla-bernat/12238)** (Senior)
– **[Sophie Bert](https://kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/sophie-bert/12241)** (Senior)
– **[Noa van Beek](https://kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/noa-van-beek/12240)** (Junior)
– **[Alenka Navarro](https://kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/alenka-navarro/12239)** (Sophomore)
– **[Nanami Nakashima](https://kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/nanami-nakashima/12243)** (Freshman)
– As an alternate, **[Julia Ballester Barrio](https://kstatesports.com/sports/womens-golf/roster/julia-ballester-barrio/12237)** will also contribute to the team’s aspirations.
**Stars of the Season**
**Carla Bernat**, closing out her collegiate career, boasts a program-record **69.91 scoring average** this season, positioning her as a serious contender. After winning the **NCAA Lexington Regional**, where she tied the school record with a breathtaking **12-under par 204**, Bernat is eager to showcase her skills one last time on the national stage.
Her teammate, **Sophie Bert**, also shines brightly, having captured the school’s first individual conference championship with a **2-under par 211**. With a scoring average of **73.09**, Bert has proven her mettle time and again.
**Putting Skills to the Test**
**Noa van Beek** and **Alenka Navarro** are crucial components of the lineup. Van Beek, with a **74.06 scoring average**, has shown promise in previous rounds. Meanwhile, Navarro’s **73.84 average** reflects her capability to deliver under pressure.
**Ready to Compete on a Larger Stage**
Kansas State enters the **NCAA Championship** as the **No. 21 seed**, among a record six **Big 12 programs** vying for supremacy. They share the course with powerhouses such as **Arizona State**, **Baylor**, **Iowa State**, and **Oklahoma State**.
**The Competition Schedule**
The Wildcats’ championship journey begins with a **6:52 a.m. (PT)** tee time on Friday, paired with **Vanderbilt** and **Oklahoma State**. The adrenaline rush continues throughout the weekend, with Saturday’s second round set to start at **12:12 p.m. (PT)**.
**Follow the Action**
Golf enthusiasts can catch the action live on the **GOLF Channel**, with comprehensive coverage of the final round and match play throughout the week. For real-time updates, check the **[SCOREBOARD powered by Clippd](https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/236560/scoring/team)**.
**Conclusion: A Journey to Remember**
As Kansas State’s women’s golf team steps onto the greens of Carlsbad, they carry not only their ambitions but the hopes of a university eager to witness their triumph. With talent, determination, and an unyielding spirit, these young athletes are ready to write a new chapter in their storied journey. Join us in cheering them on as they aim for glory!
