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Verdugo, Lee Qualify for NJCAA Nationals after Receiving All-Conference Recognition
Posted: Apr 28, 2021

Verdugo, Lee Qualify for NJCAA Nationals after Receiving All-Conference Recognition

PHOENIX ---

South Mountain Community College women's golf sophomore Miriam Verdugo and freshman Jenna Lee earned Second Team All-ACCAC honors for their play in the spring 2021 season. The pair will compete at the 2021 NJCAA Women's Championships May 10-13 at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club in Ormond Beach, Fla. The two led the Cougars at the Paradise Valley Invitational at Wildfire Golf Club April 26-27, with Verdugo finishing 10th and Lee tying for 12th. 

Verdugo placed 10th at the Cougars' final regular-season event, carding a 45-over 189, while Lee tied for 12th with a 52-over 196. Verdugo also earned Second Team All-Region honors for her play throughout the year. 

Freshman Emma Fisher took 15th at the event, finishing at 62-over, 206. Sophomore Victoria Negrete was 19th at 84-over 228, and freshman Gracie Henderson was 20th at 101-over, 245. Fisher cut eight strokes from the first to the second round, Negrete shaved four, and Henderson posted a 15-shot improvement in her final 18 holes. 

Over the seven 2021 spring tournaments, Verdugo posted a season-best score of 177 over two rounds at the Coyote Lady Classic April 17-18 at Las Colinas Golf Course. She placed eighth at the Estrella Mountain Women's Invitational April 2-3 at Sundance Golf Course in Avondale, Ariz. 

Lee opened the spring with a ninth-place finish at the Mesa CC Invitational February 15-16 at Dobson Ranch Golf Course. She finished at 191 over the two rounds at that event and at the Coyote Lady Classic, where she tied for 13th. She also led the Cougars at their home tournament at Aguila Golf Course in Laveen Village, Ariz., on February 27-28. 

"Having Jenna and Miriam advance to nationals is very exciting for our team," said SMCC head coach Chelsea Carroll. "We are all excited and I am proud of how the girls competed this season. They have worked hard to reach this goal and had a strong team supporting them throughout it. We are looking forward to this week as we prepare to play in Florida."