Junior Calle Nielson made it into the record books this weekend by becoming the first Virginia women's golfer to win an NCAA Regional title, as she tied for first. The 13th-ranked Cavaliers finished fifth overall to advance to the NCAA Championships. This is the fourth appearance for the Hoos in the Championship round, which to me means "Cha-ching! Director's Cup points!"
Virginia is one of three ACC teams to advance to the Championships, joined by Duke and Florida State.
"Now we get to go play for the national championship on a course we know and on a course we have played well," head coach Kim Lewellen said. At nationals you can give it your all. You don't have to hold back or be conservative. We are really looking forward to this."
Nielson appears to be hitting her stride at just the right time. She had just won the Tri-Match against ECU and UNC in April, and had placed second individually at the ACC Championships. Last year, she finished sixth in the NCAAs, and hopes to improve on that this year. She certainly has a shot.
Another golfer with incredible promise is freshman Brittany Altomare, who finished tied for 12th overall this past weekend at +8. She had actually finished the first day at one under par, leading for Virginia.
The Championship action begins May 18-21 in Wilmington, NC.