Junior Sophia Popov won her USC record-tying fifth career individual title as the
Trojan women dominated at the SDSU Farms Invitational for their third straight win.
Popov’s fifth win ties her with Irene Cho (2002-2006) and Mikaela Parmlid (1999-2002)
for the most in school history. USC won by 21 strokes over second-place Arizona at The
Farms Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
The victory was not only the Trojans’ third in a row, but the Trojans’ fourth in the
past five events. USC seems to be peaking at the right time considering the last time
it won three or more in a row was when the Trojans closed the 2008 season with four
straight victories. That streak culminated with the 2008 NCAA title. The Trojans hope
to carry this momentum into the Regionals this month.
CAL KEEPS ROLLING
As if we need more evidence that No. 1 Cal was the team to beat this year, the Bears
erased a nine-shot deficit from second-round leader UCLA to capture their ninth
win in 11 tournaments this season at the Western Intercollegiate hosted by San
Jose State.
Head coach Steve Desimone was once again full of superlatives for his squad.
“This was certainly one of the best and maybe the best ever,” said Desimone.
“This was a tremendous team win, and it’s been that way all year.”
Cal was led by Max Homa and Michael Kim, who tied for second at the par-70,
6,615 yard Pasatiempo Golf Club behind individual medalist Pedro Figueiredo
of UCLA. In its next event, the Pac-12 Championship at Los Angeles Country Club’s
storied North Course April 29-May 1, Cal will attempt to equal the unofficial NCAA
record of 10 victories in a season by the 1985-86 Oklahoma State team.
“That has a nice ring to it,” Desimone said about the team being one victory away from
the NCAA record. “I know I can handle it and the guys can too, but let’s not forget
the real prize is June 2 (NCAA Championship). Maybe we can combine the two. How sweet
would that be?”
REBELS WIN
The UNLV men’s golf team captured its first team title of the season at the ASU
Thunderbird Invitational, defeating top-ranked California in the process.
The win at the par 71, 7,013 yard Karsten Golf Course could prove the boost the
Rebels need to make a serious run at the upcoming NCAA Championships and
this month at the Mountain West Championship.
Coach Dwaine Knight was thrilled with the victory.
“This was a great win for us,” said Knight. “I am very proud of the guys; this
was an important win for the program. Our attitude, effort and focus was there
this week. It was a total team victory.”
The Rebels were led by sophomore Kurt Kitayama and senior Kevin Penner
who both tied for fifth. The Rebels erased a four-shot deficit from second-round
leader New Mexico with a final round 7-under team total. Oregon State’s Nick
Chianello won medalist honors.
A SENIOR MOMENT
At the close of every college season, there is always a senior who has led their team
not only with their level of play, but their competitive spirit and energy.That person
for the women of Long Beach State is Simone Hoey. The Rancho Cucamonga native captured
her second career individual medalist honors at the Fresno State Lexus Classic and
helped the 49ers win their second tournament team title this season. A starter since
her freshman year, Hoey knows her days of college golf are coming to an end.
“It was difficult for me per-onally since it was our last in-season tournament,” said
Hoey in a phone conversation exclusively with California Golf News and Travel. “I put
a lot of pressure on myself to go out and win for my school and the Long Beach community.
We all worked so hard this season.”
Hoey will hopefully continue her stellar leadership at the Big West Conference
tournament and into Regionals. She knows her final tournament will be
tough emotionally but she’s got a plan to handle the transition. “I have two more
classes to take before I officially graduate, so they can’t get rid of me yet.”
BACK TO BACK CHAMPS
The Saint Mary’s golf team made history for the second straight
year as it survived a late challenge from rival San Francisco to win consecutive
West Coast Conference championships for the first time in school history.
Individually, senior Ben Geyer led the Gaels at Gold Mountain Golf Club in
Bremerton, Wash. and his senior leadership showed on a tough day.
“This mean even more than last year, especially as a senior,” said Geyer.
After the tournament Geyer was named the WCC’s Co-Player of the Year, along
with BYU’s Zac Blair. “That’s just icing on the cake,” said Geyer.
Going forward, head coach Scott Hardy knows that he’ll need contributions
from all five starters.
“The best thing about this team is the depth and that everyone contributes,”
Hardy said. “This is exactly what we need going into Regionals and the NCAA
Championships.”
Hardy also picked up some accolades from the WCC, earning Coach of the Year
for the seventh time.
