Cavaliers Shine at NCAA Championships Despite Heartbreaking Loss to Stanford
CARLSBAD, Calif. — In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the No. 10 Virginia women’s golf team fought valiantly but was ultimately bested by the top-ranked Stanford Cardinal during the match-play quarterfinals of the NCAA Championships. The Cavaliers fell 3-1 at the prestigious Omni La Costa Resort and Spa on May 20.
Early Momentum and Individual Showdowns
The excitement was palpable as the Cavaliers swiftly took charge, with three of the five players leading early. Jaclyn LaHa emerged as a standout performer, taking her first lead on the eighth hole and never looking back. She secured an impressive 3&2 victory against Kelly Xu, ranked No. 29 in the NCAA and the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).
Meanwhile, freshman Kennedy Swedick, who started strong, found herself trailing by just one hole on the 18th. She faced the pressure of making a birdie putt to tie but agonizingly watched her shot graze the cup, resulting in a 1UP loss to Paula Martín Sampedro (No. 6 NCAA/No. 13 WAGR).
Coach’s Insight
Head coach Ria Scott acknowledged the significance of this match, stating, “I knew that one was going to be a really key match. Kennedy has an incredible future ahead of her, both on this squad and in golf in general.” Her insights reflect the promise and potential that lies within this talented young golfer.
Competitive Spirit and Team Dynamics
The remaining matches showcased the team’s unwavering competitive spirit. Megan Propeck, despite trailing by three holes, managed to tie her match against Meja Örtengren (No. 5 NCAA/No. 14 WAGR) but ultimately succumbed 2&1. Rebecca Skoler faced a challenging bout against Andrea Revuelta (No. 7 NCAA/No. 4 WAGR), falling 5&3.
As the match progressed, Amanda Sambach was locked in a fierce contest with Megha Ganne (No. 16 NCAA/No. 11 WAGR) when the team match concluded.
Reflections on a Memorable Season
Scott emphasized the strong performance throughout the season, saying, “When you get to the national championship, there’s 29 teams that leave unsatisfied, and there’s one team that’s happy at the very end.” Although disappointed, the Cavaliers felt immense pride in their achievements this year, particularly in having their seasoned leaders like Amanda, Megan, and Rebecca experience this level of competition in their final year.
A Memorable Milestone for Virginia Golf
This appearance in match play marks a significant milestone for UVA, as it’s their first since 2016 and just their second participation since the format was introduced in 2015. Propeck’s outstanding performance, finishing tied for fifth place in stroke play at 6-under 282, contributed to the Cavaliers finishing eighth overall in stroke play at 15-over 1167.
Match Results Summary
Quarterfinal Match Play Results:
- Paula Martín Sampedro (STAN) def. Kennedy Swedick (UVA), 1UP
- Meja Örtengren (STAN) def. Megan Propeck (UVA), 2&1
- Jaclyn LaHa (UVA) def. Kelly Xu (STAN), 3&2
- Amanda Sambach (UVA) vs. Megha Ganne, Unfinished
- Andrea Revuelta (STAN) def. Rebecca Skoler (UVA), 5&3
The 2023 NCAA Championships may have ended in heartbreak for the Cavaliers, but the future looks promising. With talented players and a dedicated coaching staff, Virginia women’s golf continues to rise, carving a path for future success in collegiate golf. For more insights and updates on women’s golf, check out NCAA Golf and keep an eye on these rising stars!
