UNLV women’s golf thirsts to end MWC tourney drought

The league tournament opens today in Seaside, Calif., and UNLV is looking to claim the title for the first time since 2006 and lock up a spot in next month’s NCAA regionals.

The way the Rebels have played lately — winning their Spring Invitational and finishing third in the MountainView Collegiate in Tucson, Ariz. — Ringler said her team is peaking at the right time as it shoots for its eighth straight NCAA appearance.

"The team is extremely focused and has been playing great," Ringler said. "I really feel like we have a great shot at winning if we play well and to our ability."

UNLV will be led by junior Therese Koelbaek, the Mountain West’s Golfer of the Month for March, and sophomore Kristen Schelling, who played well in Arizona, tying for fifth place among individuals. Rounding out the lineup will be senior Natasha Krishna, junior Alejandra Guacaneme and junior Mandi Incorvaia.

Koelbaek is second in the MWC with a 73.23 scoring average, and Krishna has two top-10 finishes in three conference tournaments.

The format is 18 holes of stroke play for three days at the 6,009-yard, par-72 Black Horse Golf Course. UNLV will play its first round today with Texas Christian and Brigham Young. New Mexico is the defending champion.

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.