Cougars Accomplish Numerous Goals at NJCAA National Championships
PHOENIX ---
Sophomore Miriam Verdugo and freshman Jenna Lee performed well at the 2021 NJCAA National Championships at Plantation Bay Beach and Country Club in Ormond Beach, Fla., on May 10-12. Verdugo finished at 103-over, 319 while Lee posted a 108-over, 324 in three rounds at the tournament, accomplished a host of goals and generated momentum for the Cougars for the future.
Limited to three rounds at the event due to weather, the Cougars still put together some impressive performances in a championship environment. Lee and Verdugo posted personal-best rounds of 102, with Verdugo recording hers in the first round and Lee producing hers over the second round.
"This was our first year competing in the National Championship, and we learned much," said SMCC head coach Chelsea Carroll. "We learned there were things we could control, like our mindset, and things we could not, such as a bad bounce. The course presented challenges, and we will continue to work on what is in our control to prepare us for next year better."
Verdugo also posted rounds of 103 and 114, respectively, and Lee started with a 115 and closed with a 107.
"The more we played the course, the more comfortable the players became," Carroll added. "The first day was exciting, and I could tell the girls were nervous. But, the more we played the course, practiced after rounds, the more confident the players became throughout the week. The best memory on the course had to be watching the girls tee off. Hearing the starter announce their names and that they were representing South Mountain was such a great moment."
The team also got a chance to do some non-golf activities, including a trip to the beach and dinner with the other Maricopa County Community College District programs competing at the event.
"The last night, we had a team dinner with the other Maricopa teams, and afterward, we went to the arcade and played games with Amy Bockerstette and her team as well as the Mesa team," Carroll said. "The players were still competitive, of course, but had a lot of laughs."
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. In addition, 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.
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. Both earned Second Team All-ACCAC honors for their play in the spring 2021 season, and Verdugo received a Second Team All-Region I award.
"Jenna and Miriam worked extremely hard all season to get to where they are today. Miriam is our sophomore and has been through so much these last few years with the COVID setback. However, she never gave up, and it allowed her to play at the national level. This was a goal she had last year, and she finally achieved it," said Carroll. "Jenna is our freshman. It was important for her to learn what it will take to nationals next year as a team. I think this experience has motivated her more than anything. It is exciting to see as I know she has grown from this experience."
