Cleary, Sambach both ranked in initial Palmer Cup standings

Courtesy UVA Media Relations

The Virginia women’s golf team has two players included on the initial Palmer Cup standings released this week. Junior Jennifer Cleary is ranked No. 16 while sophomore Amanda Sambach rounds out the ranking in the No. 25 position.

The top six golfers from the spring’s final ranking from both the United States and International men and women shall be among the individuals selected to compete in the Palmer Cup, which will be hosted by Laurel Valley Golf Club June 8-10.

Using Golfstat’s NCAA Player Ranking as a base, the Palmer Cup Ranking awards bonus points for wins and high finishes and a penalty for poor finishes. The ranking also contains a strength of schedule component.

The remaining six spots for the United States will consist of five committee picks, including at least one non-Division I golfer and a coaches pick. The balance of the International team also includes five committee selections, including at least one representative from The R&A Student Tour Series and a coaches pick.

Sambach led the Cavaliers this fall with a 71.33 stroke average. She opened the season with a win at the ANNIKA Intercollegiate and added another top-10 finish at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate.

Cleary led the Cavaliers in scoring in their final three tournaments of the fall. He best finish was a ninth-place showing at the Mercedes-Benz Collegiate.