SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Virginia Tech's historic season came to an end Sunday in the third round of the 2021 NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship at the 6,384-yard, par 72 Raptor Course at Grayhawk Golf Club.
In a season that featured their highest program ranking, their first pair of All-ACC golfers and their first appearance at nationals, the Hokies shined as bright as the Arizona sun was Sunday. Despite not advancing to a fourth round of stroke play, Tech will be leaving the desert knowing it has positioned the program for future success.
Led by sophomore Becca DiNunzio's even-par 72, the Hokies fired a 300 in the third round – their best round of the championship. Tech, which posted a three-day total of 906 (302-304-300), tied for 21st with Maryland.
The top 15 teams in the standings following Sunday's third round advanced to a fourth round of stroke play on Monday. From there, the top eight teams will move on to the match play portion of the championship. UCLA grabbed the last spot above the cut line at 31-over 895. Stanford leads the field and is the only team in red figures through 54 holes at 18-under 846.
Emily Mahar led the Hokies, individually, tying for 59th at 224 (74-73-77). DiNunzio finished two shots behind her fellow All-ACC performer at 226 (75-79-72) to tie for 75th. The sophomore carded four birdies on her final 10 holes to notch her 12 round of par or better this season.
Keerattriya Foocharoen tied for 88th at 228 (74-78-76), while Alyssa Montgomery placed 113th at 233 (81-77-75). Jessica Spicer concluded her brilliant Tech career in a tie for 114th at 234 (79-76-79).
Stanford's Rachel Heck maintained her lead in the individual race by signing for a 2-under 70. Her three-day total of 10-under 206 is five shots clear of teammate Angelina Ye.
With four of its five golfers who competed at nationals set to return for 2021-22, including Mahar, Tech will certainly have a great opportunity to build upon its momentum from this season. Additionally, the Hokies welcome the eighth-ranked recruiting class in the country according to the Golf Channel in the fall.
