Gonzaga University
WCC Championships Day 3
Zags Finish 2018 Season Strong At WCC Championships
4/18/2018 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
SANTEE, Calif. - The Gonzaga Bulldogs wrapped up the 2018 West Coast Conference Championships on Wednesday at the Carlton Oaks Golf Club in Santee, Calif.
Nina Novilla led the Zags finishing eighth at +13, as she holed two birdies on her back nine on Wednesday to card an 80, going +1 on the back. It was the first top-10 finish for a Zag since Ciera Min won the individual title in 2016. Novilla finished sixth in the field going +6 on the par-four holes and scored her season-low 54-hole score of 229.
Jessica Mangrobang bounced back with a team-leading 75 on Wednesday, going even on the front, to finish at +16 in 11th place. Diana Araneta tied her at +16 with a 77 in her final round, as she went +1 on the back nine birdieing her final hole to set her new career-low 54-hole score of 232. Francesca Santoni finished in 20th at +24 and scored two birdies in her final nine holes.
"I am really proud of our team this week," Gonzaga head coach Brad Rickel said. "They battled tough wind and a hard course. They are four underclassmen with no fifth score to throw out each round. They showed guts and determination that will serve them well next year. Nina gutted out a good round after a tough first nine. Jessica fought back after a tough day yesterday. Diana is growing each week and really showing she will be a force in the years to come. Francesca gained valuable experience this week."
Rose Huang of BYU ran away with the individual crown, winning by seven strokes at two-under with a final round 69. The Zags finished fourth overall, 12 strokes better than Santa Clara at +69. BYU won in a playoff after tying with Pepperdine at +36.
Novilla and Mangrobang each carded six birdies on the week, eighth in the field, and Araneta rolled home 35 pars, fourth-best in the event. The Zags led all week on the par-four holes, going +33 overall, six strokes better than BYU.
The Bulldogs return everyone next season and will be primed to use the late season momentum, coupled with some talented incoming freshman, for a great start in the fall.
