The Vanderbilt Women’s Golf team continued its postseason at the NCAA Regional in Westfield, IN. The event took place at the par-72 course at The Club at Chatham Hills where the Commodores shot -16 as a team to finish in third place. Celina Sattlekau, Lynn Lim, Tillie Claggett, Virginie Ding and Tess Davenport started for Vanderbilt. As one of the top five finishing teams at the Regional, Vanderbilt qualified for the NCAA Championships in Scottsdale, AZ. from May 19-24.
After three days of strokeplay, Vanderbilt finished in third place with spectacular performances from Sattlekau and Claggett. While the team couldn’t quite pull off the victory, Vanderbilt proved that they are a force to be reckoned with on the golf course, only losing by three shots to Mississippi State, the winner of the tournament.
The Commodores put together a solid round on day one, shooting a collective -1 to finish the day in a tie for sixth. While it wasn’t the dream start the team had hoped for, there was still plenty of golf left to be played.
Sattlekau led the team with a 3-under 69. She displayed consistent golf, carding four birdies and one bogey, to place herself in good position. Sattlekau seemed to come alive on the back nine, making no bogeys and two birdies to finish the first day strong.
Ding shot even-par on day one to remain in the hunt for the individual title. After an early bogey, Ding was able to bounce back and birdie two holes on the back nine to settle her nerves going into day two.
Both Lim and Claggett fired a 1-over 73 on day one. Lim birdied the 3rd hole to kickstart her round, however, this momentum seemed to stall as she proceeded to make par on her next 13 holes. An unfortunate double bogey on the 17th hole meant she would finish the round over-par.
Claggett’s round was slightly more turbulent. She was able to make three birdies on the round. However, four costly bogeys inhibited her from scoring lower. Nevertheless, Claggett was still able to produce a strong score on day one and contribute to the team’s overall score.
Davenport fired a 2-over 74 on day one and made five bogeys and three birdies on the day.
“I think our low round is out there,” head coach Greg Allen said after day one. “[They] are playing well and this golf course fits our games. We need to stay patient and know our time is coming.”
On day two, the Commodores surged ahead as Allen predicted, shooting -6 as a team to finish the day in solo third place.
Sattlekau shot a jaw-dropping 66 on day two to vault herself into a tie for third overall. After a score of 2-under par on the front nine—which was really the back nine as she started on the 10th hole—Sattlekau came alive on the back nine. She made four consecutive birdies—and five birdies total—to tie the best round of the day for the tournament. Sattlekau capitalized on her fantastic first round to be in contention for medalist honors on day three.
“What a special round of golf Celina gave us today,” Allen said. “Her putter heated up and it was fun to watch.”
Davenport bounced back nicely on day two after a slightly disappointing round on day one, firing a 1-under 71. Ding made four birdies and three bogeys to join Sattlekau as the only other under-par round for the team on day two.
Ding shot even-par on day two. Her round consisted of only one bogey and one birdie, a slightly uneventful second outing.
Claggett fired a 73 on day two and once again made four bogeys and three birdies en route to her second round of 73 for the tournament. Lim shot a 4-over 76.
“We know there is still work to be done tomorrow,” Allen said. “We need to continue to be patient and try keeping things simple by hitting fairways and greens.”
On day three, Vanderbilt’s hard work paid off as the team clinched its spot into the NCAA Championships. The team shot -9, its lowest round of the week to cap off an excellent three days.
Claggett came out firing on day three, shooting 65 to place her in a tie for ninth. She made two birdies and an eagle on her front nine to gain momentum going into the back nine. Claggett played aggressively on the back side, carding five birdies and two bogeys en route to the best score from a Commodore all season.
Sattlekau remained in the hunt for the individual title on day three. After making three birdies (and no bogeys) on the front nine, it seemed she might pull off the win and bring a trophy back to Nashville. However, two bogeys and no birdies on the back nine meant she fell just short of the individual title. Nevertheless, this was another well-played tournament by the senior as she finished in solo fourth place.
Ding was able to sink some putts on day three to shoot a 69. This strong finish to the tournament meant she finished in a tie for 17th.
Both Lim and Davenport fired a 2-over 74 on day three. Lim finished the tournament in a tie for 43rd and Davenport finished in solo 34th.
“What a day. These girls came out ready to play today and absolutely put the hammer down. I couldn’t be more proud of them,” Allen said.
While this week might not have been a victory, the Commodores did exactly what they needed to do to qualify for the NCAA Championships. Sattlekau showed why she is the top player on this roster and the rest of the team showed flashes of brilliance. Only Sattlekau and Davenport have previously competed in the NCAA Championships, but Commodore fans will hope their veteran leadership can propel this team far in Scottsdale, AZ.
“We’re excited about the opportunity to head to Grayhawk,” Allen said. “We will go with a different mindset this year. Last year we were just happy to be there. This year, we feel like we can earn a spot in match play.”
Vanderbilt will travel to Scottsdale, AZ. next to compete in the NCAA Championships starting on May 19.
