The postseason has finally come for the Oregon women, who tee
off today at the 2005 Pacific-10 Conference Championships in Pleasanton, Calif. Representing
the Ducks for the three-round
finale of conference play are senior Johnna Nealy, juniors Erin
Andrews and Michelle Timpani, sophomore Kim McCready and freshman Victoria Wenslow.
Nealy has been the undisputed leader of this year’s squad, leading the Ducks with a 74.9 scoring average and placing in the top 10 at three of her last six tournaments. McCready and Andrews have proved themselves dependable at the No. 2 and No. 3 spots in the lineup,
respectively. Timpani and Wenslow will need to deliver at least a sub-80 score for Oregon to have a chance at taking home a title.
Nine schools competing at the tournament are ranked in the top
35 by Golfweek/Sagarin, with defending Pac-10 Champion No. 2 UCLA leading the field, followed by No. 6 Arizona State, No. 8 Washington, No. 17 Arizona, No. 18 Stanford, No. 20 Southern California, No. 22 Washington State, first-time host No. 27 California and No. 33 Oregon.
The biggest story of the tournament may lie within the race
for the individual crown as UCLA senior Charlotte Mayorkas faces freshman sensation Louise Stahle of Arizona State. Both golfers
are heavily favored to win the individual title.
The first round starts today at the par 72, 6,315 yard Ruby Hill Golf Club. The second will be played Tuesday and the final round Wednesday.
— Scott J. Adams