Paula Martín (-3) has stepped up at the Nationals. Coming from behind, she made a significant move on the second day and is now among the contenders for the title. The Spaniard is now sixth after climbing 40 positions and is four strokes behind Avery Weed, the tournament leader with 36 holes remaining to complete the individual section. Additionally, Stanford (-5) leads in the team section.
Twelve months ago, Paula finished this same tournament in third place; it was her debut year, and she was satisfied. However, this year she wants more, she seeks more, and she has two more days to prove she can be the best university player in the whole of the United States. It sounds quick. She already won the NCAA in 2024 in the team section, and this year she wants to do it in the individual as well.
After a modest opening round of one over par at Omni La Costa, the Madrid native needed to climb positions desperately. She executed it to perfection with a round of 68 strokes, matching the best score of the day. Four birdies without a mistake, only three players managed to hand in a scorecard without any mishaps at the clubhouse.
Individually, the rest of the Armada players did not have the second 18 holes they dreamed of. They have practically been left without a chance of victory, barring a miracle. The next on the leaderboard are Paula Francisco (+2) and the ANWA champion, Carla Bernat (+2). Both are +2 overall, in 33rd place and nine shots off the lead. Difficult, but not impossible. Andrea Revuelta (+3) and Rocío Tejedo (+3) are one stroke further back in 44th place after both shot second rounds of 73.
Paula Balanzategui (+4), Carolina Chacarra (+4), Ana Pina (+4), Martina López (+9) and Alexandra Vidal (+12) complete the rest of the individual performances. Julia Ballester will seek the opportunity to lend a hand to Kansas State on the third day.
Despite perhaps not feeling great, collectively there is still much to play for. This Sunday, the first cut takes place. The top fifteen universities and the best nine players not in any of them will play the fourth and final stroke play round. After Monday’s results, the top eight universities will compete for the team trophy in match play format.
Our eleven players are spread across nine universities, and at the moment, four of them are among the top fifteen. Stanford (-5) with Paula and Andrea at the forefront leads the tournament. Mississippi State (+4) is fourth, and Tennessee (+12) Florida (+13) are just within the first cut currently set by Florida.
However, Kansas State (+14) and LSU (+14) are just one stroke behind and still very much in contention, as is Michigan State (+21). Also with possibilities but needing more of a comeback are Iowa (+24) with Alexandra Vidal and Wake Forest (+26) with Carol Chacarra.
