Oregon women's golf team's bid to play for national title ends in NCAA semifinals
The Oregon women's golf team's thrilling run through the NCAA Championships ended in the match play semifinals on Tuesday.
The Ducks, who defeated LSU in the quarterfinals earlier on Tuesday, lost 3-1 to UCLA at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, and missed their chance to make the national championship final for the second time in three seasons.
Oregon's lineup of two seniors and three freshman finished tied for sixth in stroke play Monday with UCLA at 19-over through four rounds to reach match play for the third time in program history.
The Ducks started off strong with a 3-2 win against No. 2-seed LSU. Oregon got two points from seniors Ching-Tzu Chen and Minori Nagano, and then freshman Kiara Romero sealed the victory with a par on the 18th hole to win her match 1 up.
In the semifinals, the Bruins went up 2-0 before Romero defeated UCLA standout Zoe Campos 4&3 to cut the Ducks' deficit. But UCLA answered with another win as Natalie Vo defeated Nagano 2&1 in a match that went to the 17th hole.
“It took a lot out of us to get that win this morning,” Oregon coach Derek Radley said. “I think we were a little bit low on energy this afternoon. We were kind of hitting some squirrelly shots and it definitely played a little bit tougher this afternoon; when that wind picks up, it’s a beast."
Oregon Ducks star freshman golfer Kiara Romero shines
Romero had a star-turning performance during the Ducks six days in Carlsbad.
She finished sixth overall in the individual standings during stroke play — second-best ever by a Duck at the NCAA Championships. Her 4-under 284 is the best individual 72-hole performance in program history.
She was also the only Duck to win twice during match play, beating players who finished in fourth (LSU's Aine Donegan) and 10th (UCLA's Campos) in the stroke play standings.
"Just an incredible four days for Kiara out there," said Radley when stroke play ended Monday. "Even as a true freshman as the moments got bigger and the lights got brighter, she stayed committed to her game and her plan and went out there and executed. She is so naturally talented and works so hard to get better each and every day. She was a rock for our team this week and she deserves all of the accolades that are coming her way."
Follow Chris Hansen on X @chansen_RG or email at chansen@registerguard.com.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Oregon Ducks women's golf season ends in NCAA semifinals
