By: Max Bechtoldt
With the 2024 NCAA Division I Women’s Golf National Championship airing tonight at 6 PM est., take some time to meet one of the finalists, the UCLA Bruins.
Caroline Canales – The superstar of the semi-finals, Canales played fantastic Tuesday afternoon with a 7&5 win. The junior from California is ranked No. 103 in the women’s golf amateur rankings and was an honorable mention All Pac 12 selection this year, after being first team in 2023.
Natalie Vo – UCLA is a team full of transfers, and that includes Vo who made her way to the Bruins from Colorado. Vo is ranked No. 619 in the amateur rankings, but earned the semifinal clinching win on Tuesday. Her best collegiate result this year was a top-five finish at the Silicon Valley Showcase.
Meghan Royal – The sophomore transfer from Arkansas is playing in her hometown of Carlsbad this week. She was an All Pac 12 honorable mention this year, and had a top-10 finish at the Pac 12 Championship against a loaded field. She dominated her match yesterday, winning 4&3 and is ranked No. 294 in the amateur rankings.
Kate Villegas – The lone senior who is playing this week for UCLA is the transfer from UC Riverside, Kate Villegas. This season, Villegas had three top-10 finishes and was an All Pac 12 honorable mention. Villegas is currently ranked No. 179 in the amateur rankings.
Zoe Campos – While UCLA has a distinct disadvantage on paper, Campos is probably the best player for either team in this matchup. She is ranked No. 5 in the amateur rankings and is a two-time first team All Pac 12. Campos has four wins this season, including at the Las Vegas Regional Championship. While Campos struggled yesterday, losing 4&3, the Bruins will need her to step up if they want a chance to win. It was Campos’ first collegiate match play loss, so the odds that repeats should be low.
