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AUSTIN, Texas – Harvard women’s golf made its return to the course this weekend at the Betsy Rawls Longhorn Invitational in the Lone Star State. The Crimson made its first ever appearance at the tournament in Texas, joining a field full of ranked squads and talented college golfers. Harsh weather conditions rolled into the Texas area before the tournament, as teams saw scores rise due to low temperatures and high winds.
 
In the end, Harvard came in 14th place in the field of 16 teams with a tournament score of 978 (+114).
 
How it Happened
The Crimson opened its Spring season down in the Lone Star State this weekend at the Longhorn Invitational which was played on the University of Texas Golf Club. The group battled some tough weather conditions including low temperatures and high winds in the Austin area during the first 36 holes.
 
Harvard opened the tournament with a team score of 337 (+49) in the opening round to move it 12th place in the field. Lucy Yuan (82), Vanessa Zhang (84), Bonnie Zhai (84) and Iris Wang (87) factored into the team scoring in the first 18 holes.
 
The harsh conditions began to lighten up in round two, which helped the Crimson improve its second-round score by 10 strokes. The team posted a 327 (+39) in the second round to remain in eighth place in the field. Iris Wang had the low card in round two, posting an eight-over-par round of 80. An impressive score given the conditions, Wang posted a one-over 37 on the back nine in round two.
 
In the final 18 holes on Tuesday, Harvard posted its lowest round of the tournament with a team score of 314 (+26). Sophomore Vanessa Zhang carded three birdies in her round to post a score of 75 (+3), the lowest individual round of the tournament for Harvard. Bonnie Zhai also shot in the 70’s with a round of 79 (+7) that also featured an eagle on hole five. Lucy Yuan carded two birdies and 12 pars in her final round of 80 (+8).
 
Despite its strong scores in the final round, Harvard slid down the leaderboard into 14th place, where it would finish the tournament.
 
Harvard Highlights


Vanessa Zhang posted a 75 (+3) in the third round, the lowest individual score of the tournament for Harvard.
Bonnie Zhai was one of only six players in the field to record an eagle.
Zhai also led Harvard with four birdies in the tournament.
Lucy Yuan, Iris Wang and Zhang each carded three birdies.

 

Team Results
1. Texas (+14)
2. Arkansas (+35)
3. Oklahoma (+40)
4. LSU (+47)
5. Pepperdine (+50)
6. TCU (+56)
7. Oregon State (+62)
8. Boise State (+83)
9. UTSA (+93)
10. BYU (+94)
11. Sam Houston State (+96)
12. Chattanooga (+99)
13. Houston Christian (+113)
14. Harvard (+114)
15. Troy (+128)
16. Incarnate Word (+165)
 
Individual Results
T52 | Lucy Yuan | 82-81-80 | +27
T52 | Vanessa Zhang | 84-84-75 | +27
T57 | Bonnie Zhai | 84-82-79 | +29
61| Iris Wang | 87-80-80 | +31
86 | Nicole Iniakov | 90-85-
T88 | Dixon Hill | 95-85-86 | +50
T88 | Sophie Lim | 92-89-86 | +51
 
Up Next
The Crimson will return to action on Sunday, April 5, when it tees off at the Terps Invitational. Harvard will compete in the field at the University of Maryland Golf Club for the second straight season when it makes the trip next month.