Women's golf set for conference tournament

The UHV women's golf team is set to play in the Continental Athletic Conference tournament Monday and Tuesday at The Golf Club of Texas in San Antonio.

The winner of the 36-hole tournament will automatically qualify for the NAIA National Championships at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, May 23-26.

"Our girls have worked really hard this season," said head coach Garrett Adair. "We've seen constant progress in each tournament because of that. I'm excited for our girls to go out and put that work into play at the conference tournament."

In their last tournament, the Blinn Invitational on April 3, Mia Lerma picked up her first career win with a 4-over 76 after outlasting two competitors in a playoff.

The senior from Mission, Texas, had two birdies and 10 pars on her scorecard in the win, and earned Red River Athletic Conference Women's Golfer of the Week honors because of it.

It was the fourth time in the last five rounds in which she shot in the 70s.

"Mia has put in a lot of work throughout her career here," Adair said. "You can't help but be proud to see her get that breakthrough. But it also gives her a lot of confidence heading into the tournament. Once you get that first win, it's amazing what it can do for somebody's play and she got it at the most perfect time."

The Jaguars have seen plenty of career-bests this season and will look to put them together on the par 72 course designed by PGA Tour legend Lee Trevino.

Among those highs include Cecelia Niemietz's back-to-back career performances at the Claud Jacobs Invitational in February and the Schreiner Shoot-Out in March.

The Cibolo native garnered RRAC Golfer of the Week honors after her rounds of 77 and 78 at the Claud Jacobs.

"We've seen what happens when we put the work in," Adair said. "Our girls know that and have picked up their confidence over the last two weeks. Cece has shown that with her play. I'm ready to see our girls play to the best of their ability this week."