Cowgirls golfers heading to California

* University of Wyoming media relations release

LARAMIE -- The University of Wyoming Women's Golf squad is back in action this week continuing their spring schedule at The Gold Rush hosted by Long Beach State in Seal Beach, California.

It will be a return to normal tournament play for the Cowgirls after competing in the Mountain Classic Match Play last time out.

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“We took a lot away from our first time out this spring that we will learn from and apply to this next event,” UW head women’s Gold coach Josey Stender said. “This is a very strong, nationally ranked field and I think if we strive for consistency and are confident on the greens, then we will be competitive.”

The Cowgirls are coming off a sixth-place finish at the Mountain Classic Match Play where they picked up a win over Cal State Bakersfield.

Morgan Ryan led the way for the Cowgirls having an excellent performance going 3-0 on the tournament and being the only Cowgirl to do so. Jessica Zapf also had a solid start to the spring season going 2-1.

In their return to traditional tournament play this week the Cowgirls will be up against a very competitive field headlined by Pac-12 powerhouses UCLA and USC.

UCLA comes into the week ranked 15^th in the country while the reigning Pac-12 Champions sit one spot ahead of them in 14^th. The field will also feature one another Mountain West team in Fresno State, who the Cowgirls have competed against a couple of time this season most recently at the Clash at Boulder Creek.

The Cowgirl starting lineup will be Ryan, Meghan Vogt, Zapf, Samantha Hui and Cristiana Ciasca, who will be making her third start of the season. Additionally, Kyla Wilde, Michelle Nguyen and Rachel Stoinski will all be competing as individuals.

The Gold Rush will be played at the Old Ranch Country Club on the 6,183-yard par 72 course. The first two rounds will be played on Monday, Feb. 28 with athletes teeing off at 8:45 a.m. MT. The tournament will conclude on Tuesday, March 1 with the final 18 holes of play.

Live stats will be available in GolfStat.com.