Photo courtesy of NMSU Athletics.

Despite a rough start, New Mexico State University women’s golf managed to pull out a second-place title in the Golf Iconic Classic. Long Beach State University remained consistent through the tournament and took first-place after shooting 23 under par. 

The second-place finish on their home course was more than cause for celebration, with head coach Danny Bowen expressing how the team’s nine under par score helped set a record for the team with a total of 855 strokes.  

In the first round, the Aggies felt the home course pressure after shooting 288 and dropping down to eighth place. The Aggies still had several outstanding performances with graduate student Angela Garvin posting the lowest score after shooting a 71 (-1).  

After day one, Garvin spoke on the team’s downfalls and their efforts moving forward.  

“I think there is a bit more pressure, but we were aware of that,” Garvin said. “We tried to acknowledge the higher expectations, but also let them go, move on, and it’s another day of golf.”  

The Aggies felt the hometown pressure on the first day but were able to channel their ambitions into the second round, where they held onto a three-point lead at the end of the first day. The momentum helped them hold onto second place for the rest of the tournament. 

Refusing to go down without a fight, the Aggies came into day two with a different mindset portrayed through their newfound energy. With the help of sophomore Emma Bunch, who shot a bogey-free 68, the Aggies climbed to second place. The effort continued with two 70s (-2) from Gavin and senior Valentina Origel while senior Alison Gastelum posted a one-under 71.

After an improved day two, coach Bowen commented on the team’s performance.  

“The comeback in round two was mainly due to the fact that they went out and played how they know how to play,” Bowen said. “The message today was more of the same, enjoy the course and enjoy playing with your teammates. Enjoy playing, and the results will come in the end.”  

The Aggies continued to ride their momentum going into day three and broke a program record after recording a team 855 (-9) over the course of the tournament.  

Garvin had a particularly strong game, tying for third on the individual leaderboard with a total score of 210 and finished under par all three days.  

“Angela played awesome golf today, she shot 3 under and tied for third alone,” Bowen said. “She led us today individually so it’s cool to see her play well for all three days.” 

Another standout performance came from Bunch, who finished in fifth place with a total score of 211 (-5), including a one under par 71 during the third round.  

Reflecting off their first home tournament, the Aggies now look forward to traveling to Hawaii for the Rainbow Wahine Invitational that will kick off on Monday, Oct. 23.