The ULM women’s golf team started its season strong, finishing second place at the 2024 UAB Hoover Invitational.
Despite missing out on the tournament title, ULM’s coach, Rachel Pollock, praised her team’s resilience and ability to compete with top-tier programs.
“I think it was a great start to the tournament. We would have loved to be tournament champion,” Pollock said. “Being able to compete against Alabama on the final day and pick up the win against Georgia and SEC schools was really great for our program and will build confidence in the team all year. “
Sophomore Daniela Campillo finished only two strokes behind the medalist, Gabi Nicastro of Samford. Campillo sank 12 birdies and scored rounds of 69, 73 and 71, finishing with 213 (-3).
Isabel Mas Pitarch and Campillo led the charge in the first round with a score of 69 (-3) each, making them two of the top scorers of round 1. Pitarch shined in her debut and placed 17th overall.
ULM faced some challenges in the second round, finishing with a team score of 294 (+6). The Warhawks still managed to maintain a four-streak lead over Alabama after 36 holes.
The final day didn’t unfold as ULM had hoped, with the team tallying 302 (+14).
Despite having a solid first day with 284(-4) and 294(+6), the Warhawks lost the lead over Alabama on the final day. Campillo reflected on the last day of the event.
“We started really strong. It’s just the finish that didn’t go well,” Campillo said. “We didn’t start well on the final day, but we were runner-up. That’s really good because even if we don’t play that good, we will still be there (in the points table).”
Pollock is aiming to win the Sun Belt Conference Championship.
“As a college team, the goal is always to win the conference championship. We won in 2022-23. So, we have that goal again to come home with it,” Pollock said.
“Last year, we were close to winning a tournament. This tournament was also a close one, but we couldn’t,” Campillo said. “As a team, I know we are going to win a tournament.”
The Warhawks will be preparing themselves for the Illini Women’s Invitational at Medinah on Oct. 7.
