Lillie finishes ninth at NCAA Championships

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

Beth Lillie shot 2-under 70 during the final round of the NCAA Championships to finish in a tie for ninth place. Lillie’s 72-hole total of even par 288 ties as the second-best score by a Cavalier at the national championship tournament. Her place finish was the third best by a UVA player at the event.

Ranked No. 54 nationally by Golfstat entering the tournament, Lillie got off to a great start with an eagle on the second hole at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. She used a wedge on her 104-yard approach shot to put her 2-under par early in her round. Lillie then made a birdie on the third hole to drop to 3-under par. From there, Lillie finished her round with two more birdies and three bogeys.

During the four-day tournament she only had one score higher than bogey. Lillie’s finish was her best in three appearances at the NCAA Championships. She was 43rd during her sophomore season.

“We could not be prouder of Beth for her play, composure, and how she represented UVA this week,” said head coach Ria Scott. “Each day, she got more comfortable with this golf course and gained belief in her game. She hit some clutch approach shots and showed an unmatched level of maturity. Excited is an understatement we are so glad to have her back next year.”

Lillie will take advantage of being granted an extra year of eligibility due to the pandemic to return to Virginia and compete as a graduate student next season.