Kevynne Aleman
03/07/2023
The UTRGV Invitational women’s golf tournament ended Tuesday with Houston Christian University taking first place and UTRGV placing second. The two day tournament took place at the McAllen Country Club allowing the Vaqueros to have a home course advantage.
Day one of the tournament had Julie Lucio in fourth place, and Mercedes Vega one stroke behind Lucio landing her in fifth place. Lucio ended day one with a total score of 141 points, setting the bar high for herself during her last year here at UTRGV.
“I had high expectations because right now I feel like I’m playing good golf. I’m able to put the ball where I want,” said Lucio.
Mercedes Vega ended the first day with a score of 142 points. At the start of round two, she was four swings under which put her at the top five on the leaderboard, however later, she had a shift in momentum. Vega admitted that her nerves got the best of her.
“I was four under on the second round but the nerves got me on the last two holes, but I’m happy with it.” said Vega
After playing thirty-six holes on day one, the team played their own game. Coach Bryan Novoa emphasizes the health of the team, and how it affects their game.
“Man, we rested and recovered leading to this point, and had a really solid performance on the first day of the tournament. “ said Coach Novoam
The last day of the tournament allowed Lucio to rise to the top tying for first place with Houston Christian’s Elise Parel with an ending score of 210 points. Vega ended the tournament in seventh, with a score of 216 points, placing the vaqueros second out of the whole tournament with a total score of 877 points.
The ladies will be back in action on March 13-14 competing in the HCU Husky invitational in Sugar Land, Texas.
For the schedule and scores, visit goutrgv.com.
This is Kevynne Aleman for Vaquero Radio.
