Northwestern gets 1st season victory at Silverado Showdown

The big guns of Pac-12 women’s golf teed it up in Napa, Calif., for the Silverado Showdown this week, but many of those teams were missing key players. The Augusta National Women’s Amateur, after all, just ended Saturday on the other side of the country.

Northwestern, the Big Ten team that ended three rounds at the top of the leaderboard, had its stud, at least, and it showed. Senior Stephanie Lau flew to Napa after missing the ANWA cut and helped her team to a big win. Lau’s efforts left her tied for fourth individually as her team defeated USC by four shots.

Northwestern went 6 over in 54 holes at Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif. It was Wildcats' first title on the season.

Junior Brooke Riley led her team as the individual medalist and entered the final round with a two-shot lead over teammate Lau. Despite a 3-over 75 in the final round, she earned her first collegiate victory with a 1-under 215. Lau and freshman Kelly Sim finished tied for fourth at 1 over, giving Northwestern three players in the top 5.

Without its top 3 players, USC still finished second with a 10-under total. Amelia Garvey led a final-round push with her final-round 67. She had a 6-under 30 on the front nine, even though she started on No. 3. She birdied her first three holes to start the day.

Stanford was third, without Andrea Lee (who played in the ANWA) and Albane Valenzuela (who played in the ANA Inspiration). Oregon finished fourth and Washington, minus Wenyung Keh, rounded out the top 5.