Canyons Tees of 2021 Season with Third Place Finish

By Jesse Muñoz/COC Sports Information Director 

VENTURA — Two years removed from winning back-to-back state championships, the College of the Canyons women's golf team was finally back on the course Monday, as the Cougars continued the return to competition in their 2021 season opener.

Canyons finished third in the four-team field with a four-player score of 356 at Buenaventura Golf Course during the annual South Coast Classic. The event also served as the first Western State Conference (WSC) tourney of the season.

COC sophomore Marie Naud turned in the top score for Canyons, shooting a six-over-par 78 to finish the event fourth in the individual standings.

Nisha Gaulke placed sixth overall with her round of 81 to help keep Canyons among the leaders.

Ashley Cortez finished at 95 on the day and Delaney Hollinger at 102 slotted into the final scoring spot for the Cougars.

Antelope Valley College (327) won the event and also claimed the top two individual finishes with strong rounds from event medalist Arlene Salvador (67) and runner-up Madison Shafer (75).

Bakersfield College (346) was second on the day followed by Canyons (356) and Citrus (371).

Santa Barbara City College and Moorpark College both entered individual golfers in the event but did not factor into team scoring. In all, the field included 26 players from six schools.

Prior to Monday's season opener, COC had won 25 straight tournaments dating back to the start of 2018 season. Included in that number is 19 straight WSC events. The Cougars also won back-to-back Southern California Regional and State Championships in 2018 and 2019.

Canyons will next compete at the WSC event hosted by Bakersfield on Monday, Sept. 6, at Sundale Country Club. The tournament will also serve as the Southern California Preview event, attracting a field of non-WSC schools and players.

South Coast Classic — Aug. 30 2021 — Final Team Scores
1. Antelope Valley (327) 2. Bakersfield (346) 3. Canyons (356) 4. Citrus (371)

South Coast Classic — Aug. 30,  2021 — Canyons Individual Scores
Marie Naud (78-fourth place), Nisha Gaulke (81-sixth place), Ashley Cortez (95), Delaney Hollinger (102), Tyra Boozer (106), Samantha McCray (106).

Stay up to date on all this season's action by following the College of the Canyons Athletic department on social media at @COCathletics on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.