Rose Zhang of Stanford, the top-ranked women’s amateur in the world, won again but short-handed Stanford finished second to Oregon in the Therese Hession Regional Challenge at Palos Verdes Country Club.
Zhang, a sophomore from Irvine, posted a score of 68-68-71—207, six-under-par, to claim her fourth victory of the season and eighth of her college career. She tied Rachel Heck and Mhairi McKay for second on Stanford’s all-time win list, one behind Andrea Lee’s record of nine.
In addition, Zhang earned an exemption into the LPGA Tour’s DIO Implant Los Angeles Open at Palos Verdes Golf Club from March 30-April 2. However, she could take a pass to play in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on the same dates.
“It’s Rose Zhang we are talking about, and I’m out of words to describe her at this point,” Stanford Coach Anne Walker said.
Fifth-ranked Oregon claimed the team title for the second straight year with a score of 288-290-280—858, six-over, as No. 1 Stanford, playing without injured regulars Heck and Brooke Seay, finished second at 286-284-293—863, falling short of its fourth victory of the season.
“I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” Oregon Coach Derek Radley said. “It was a battle the first two days, but they kept their composure and came out and played absolutely lights out today.
“Our goal was to come here and defend our title from last year against a truly elite field, and we were able to get the job done. I am so impressed with our team and can’t wait to see what’s in store next.”
USC totaled 290-287-287—864 to tie for third with Baylor, which finished a 282-297-285—864, while San Jose State was fifth at 286-286-296—868.
Ohio State was sixth at 286-292-293—871, followed by Arizona at 294-291-287—872 and Texas at 290-295-289-874.
Pepperdine wound up at 292-299-290—881 to tie for ninth with Kentucky, which came in a 292-293-296—881, while UCLA was 11th at 296-292-297—885.
Behind Zhang, Ching-Tzu Chen of Oregon shot 68-73-69—210 to tie for second with Sophie Guo of Texas, who finished at 69-69-72—210, while Silje Ohma of Baylor finished fourth at 66-73-71—210.
Megha Ganne of Stanford carded a score of 70-70-73—213 to wind up in a big tie for fifth with Cindy Kou of USC, who totaled 72-68-73—213; Lucia Lopez-Ortega of San Jose State, who finished at 69-69-75—213; Jensen Castle of Kentucky, who wound up at 73-71-69—213; Annabell Fuller of Florida, who posted a score of 70-70-73—213, and Rosie Belsham of Baylor, who came in at 73-73-67—213.
Zoe Campos led UCLA in a tie for 12th at 72-71-72—215, while Lion Higgo of Pepperdine tied for 17th at 75-72-69—216.
For complete results, visit https://results.golfstat.com/public/leaderboards/gsnav.cfm?pg=team&tid=26555
