The UTRGV Women’s Golf Team will compete today and Tuesday in the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Islander Classic.
The Vaqueras are coming off a third-place finish from their last competition at the Texas State University Invitational on Feb. 6 and 7 and have lost their only match play against the Islanders.
The team finished the 2022 Islander Classic in fourth place and set a new program record with a three-round score of 890.
Asked how the team has been preparing, head coach Bryan Novoa said they are coming off a high from their last tournament at Texas State University.
“The only problem with that tournament was that, you know, we’re just a little beat up,” Novoa said. “Got a few injuries we’re trying to manage and deal with, but, mentally, I mean, it’s the same process, you know, just playing a lot of golf and working on scoring, short game and working on strategy for the golf course.”
Graduate player Julie Lucio said she is doing better mentally and at staying in the present and not focusing too much on the future.
“I’ve been striking the ball really well,” Lucio said. “My body has been doing a lot better since last year. My wrists have been really strong, so I’m excited. And I’m excited to close out the year because this is my last semester.”
Senior player Samantha Garza said taking notes on the greens is a good way to prepare for the tournament.
“Physically, just work on some key swing things,” Garza said. “And all good to go by this weekend when we leave.”
Novoa said last year’s Islander Classic was in San Antonio’s Brackenridge Park but has been moved back to the Corpus Christi Country Club this year.
“We’re excited about it because the renovations are supposed to be phenomenal,” he said. “They are beautiful greens. They redesigned a couple of holes. And man, I heard they did an amazing job and we can’t wait to get on it.”
Novoa said it will be difficult to beat Corpus Christi on their home course, because they play it often and are probably used to the renovations.
“We’re a strong team and as talented as they are,” he said. “So, we’re gonna give them a run for their money at the end of the day.”
Asked what his expectations for the team are, Novoa replied he does not like that word.
“I expect them to be disciplined with their strategy,” he said. “Disciplined with their course management, disciplined with their golf swings and disciplined with their systems that are in place for them to succeed and score at the end of the day.”
Lucio said they have a strong team and she is excited to finish the year with them.
“So, I’m pretty sure we can win the Islander Classic,” she said. “And we can win our home tournament as well. Like, I’m excited to go to [the Western Athletic Conference] as well with them.”
Asked how she thinks the tournament will go, Lucio replied that she wants to win, even though some of her teammates have injuries.
“Some have wrist problems and back problems,” she said. “But we’re gonna try to take the victory home because the Islanders, I mean, that’s our biggest competitor.”
Novoa said he is proud of the team and the work they have put in.
“I have great players on this team and they’re starting to shine,” he said. “You’re gonna see more of them this spring with how we contend for tournament titles and how we approach, you know, preparing for the WAC and having the opportunity to, maybe, bring home a trophy.”
Following the Islander Classic is the UTRGV Invitational, hosted March 6 and 7 at the McAllen Country Club.
