Pitchfork Posts: Women's golf at NCAA Championships
Following the first practice round, the Sun Devils and the rest of the NCAA field headed to the U.S.S. North Carolina Battleship Memorial for the Welcome Banquet. The U.S.S. North Carolina was used in combat to face the Pacific Theatre during World War II. The team explored the ship prior to dinner and learned about the history and equipment used during its time at sea. For more information on the U.S.S. North Carolina, click here.
The teams enjoyed a Southern dinner of a barbeque chicken, Cajun shrimp, potato salad, macaroni and cheese and a variety of different salads. Not only the athletic director of UNC-Wilmington, but also the university's Chancellor and the Mayor of Wilmington gave introductions and welcome speeches. One of the professors at the University of North Carolina - Wilmington then had the teams on their feet and dancing as he taught them the Southern tradition of "the shag". Check out the video at the bottom of the page to see what I'm talking about. It is evident the community is very excited to host this event, and they have done a spectacular job. They have a waiting list for volunteers and have gone above and beyond in promoting the NCAA Championship.
The course itself is in great shape. Coach Melissa Luellen has commented numerous times they have done a wonderful job of getting the course in championship shape. Hopefully the tough conditions brought forth at the Central Regional prepared the team for the rest of the week.
Fun Fact: The only other time the Country Club of Landfall has hosted a tournament was in 1995. Arizona State won its fourth NCAA Championship, and third in a row, that year and Kristel Mourgue d'Algue took home medalist honors.
The weather forecast is great. Other than a few showers this morning, rain is not projected for the rest of the tournament. It certainly is much more humid here than in Arizona.
Following the practice rounds, the girls have been putting down their clubs and picking up a paddle. The team can be found participating in very intense games of ping-pong after dinner each night. Even the coaches have been getting in on the action. Carlota Ciganda looks as though she could take on Forrest Gump at the game.
That's it for now. Please continue to check out the blog and website for more information on how the team does and inside information. Don't forget to join the team's Facebook page.
Go Devils!