Cavaliers open Wolverine Invitational in second place

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

The Virginia women’s golf team opened its 2021 fall schedule by finishing the first day of play at Michigan’s Wolverine Invitational in second place. The Cavaliers shot 6-over 574 (288-286) during the opening day that featured two rounds of competition on the par-71 University of Michigan Golf Course. The Wolverines, hosting a home event for the first time since 2012, took the early lead at 6-under 562.

Cavalier freshman Amanda Sambach led the team with a 36-hole total of even par 142. Sambach carded a round of 69 in her collegiate debut and followed that up by shooting 2-over 73 during the afternoon’s competition. Sambach came to UVA as one of the nation’s top junior performers. She competed at the 2021 Augusta National Women’s Amateur and won the 2021 Rolex Girls Junior Championship.

UVA junior Celeste Valinho is one shot behind Sambach in 10th position. She posted rounds of 74 and 69 with her second-round score matching her best 18-hole collegiate total. Sophomore Jennifer Cleary is in 12th place at 2-over 144. She had scores of 73 and 71. Graduate student Beth Lillis is in 34th place after rounds of 74 and 73 for a 36-hole total of 147 while senior Riley Smyth is in 43rd position at 148.

Sophomore Rebecca Skoler, who is competing as an individual, equaled Sambach’s score to also finish the day in fifth place. She had rounds of 73 and 69. The tournament marks her collegiate debut after she missed the 2021 campaign due to a wrist injury.

Tuesday’s final round will start at 8:45 a.m. with a shotgun start. The Cavaliers will be paired with Michigan and Virginia Tech.