Lady Westerners Open Spring with Fourth-Place Finish at NMJC Invitational

HOBBS, N.M. – The Lady Westerners teed off the second half of their season at the Thunderbird Invitational, hosted by New Mexico Junior College, competing on a par-72 layout measuring 6,015 yards over two days.

Odessa College claimed the team title with a 619 (307-312), while Western Texas College placed fourth out of eight institutions with a 637 (313-324).

Wildah Jarestam led the way for the Lady Westerners. After opening with a 76 in Round 1, she followed with a steady 78 to finish at 154 (+10), earning a tie for fifth place.

Round 1 leader Caitlin Feeney set the tone early, carding the low round of the tournament with a 74 (+2). She followed with an 81 in Round 2 to finish at 155 (+11). Feeney also recorded the team's lone eagle in the opening round on the 456-yard 18th hole and played the par 5s at 2-under for the tournament.

Lupita Barbosa showed one of the strongest bounce-back performances in the field, improving from an 83 in Round 1 to a 79 in Round 2. She closed at 162 (+18).

Sienna Thumwood (81-86—167, +23) and Khensani Mhotsha (82-86—168, +24) battled through challenging second rounds to round out the team scoring. Competing as individuals, Brooke Ahn (89-89—178, +34) and Macey Punches (98-98—196, +52) completed the two-day event.

Team Notes

Western Texas delivered a strong performance on the par 3s, finishing +23, the second-best mark in the tournament. The Lady Westerners were also solid on par 4s, ranking third overall at +50. Jarestam played the par 5s at even par for the event.

Up Next

The Lady Westerners return to action March 2–3 at The Bruzzy Spring Fling, hosted at Dornick Hills Golf & Country Club in Ardmore, Oklahoma.