STANFORD, Calif. – Utah Valley University second-year freshman Victoria Estrada capped the program's inaugural NCAA Regional appearance on Wednesday by tying for 82nd at the Stanford Regional at Stanford Golf Course in Stanford, Calif.
 
After carding rounds of 77 (+6) and 79 (+8) during the first two rounds of the postseason event, Estrada then capped her first NCAA Regional outing by carding a final-round 6-over-par 77 on Wednesday. The 2021 first team All-WAC performer, who opened Wednesday's final round with seven straight pars, concluded her final round with a birdie on the par-3 eighth hole and a par on the par-4 ninth hole to post her second 77 of the tournament and finish with a 20-over-par 233 over the three rounds. 
 
"I am so proud of how Victoria represented Utah Valley University at the Stanford Regional," head UVU coach Dr. Sue Nyhus said. "The tournament director Jenny Claypool made it a point to compliment Victoria, 'What a kind, thoughtful student-athlete you have here at Regionals,' she said. She noticed her on the day of registration, and how she was smiling and engaging with her and many others. It is refreshing to see that in our student-athletes.  

"Victoria had high expectations for this event. Conditions were quite a bit different than we have played in 16 months. The rough was long and lush like the California salads we were eating. Victoria gave every shot her all and stayed open to learning from all around her including her playing partners. It was a joy and pleasure to escort Victoria for her and UVU's first NCAA Regional appearance."
 
Estrada became the first NCAA qualifier in UVU women's golf history after earning an automatic bid after winning the program's inaugural WAC individual championship a couple of weeks ago at Boulder Creek Golf Club in Boulder City, Nev. Estrada carded a 54-hole total of 2-under-par 214 with rounds of 74, 69 and 71 on her way to coming from behind to be crowned the WAC individual champion. The 2-under 214 was not only a career-best for Estrada, but it also tied for the best three-round score in program history.
 
The competition not only concludes the season for the Wolverines but also marks the end of longtime women's golf coach Sue Nyhus' career, as Nyhus previously announced her retirement upon the conclusion of the 2020-21 season. After leading the Wolverines for the past 11 years and 23 seasons in all as a collegiate coach, the first and only golfer in USGA history to have played in every championship offered to her by the organization and 2020 Utah Golf Association Hall of Fame inductee will now call it a career. Current UVU assistant Juli Erekson has been named Nyhus' successor and will now officially take over as Utah Valley's head women's golf coach.
 
"It was a bittersweet walk around the course today. Many of my coaching friends and colleagues were here and were very kind in their sentiments this week and especially today," Nyhus added. "I am grateful to be going out 'happy' as coaching can be a cruel profession. Not many coaches are so fortunate as I to be able to go out on a high-note.
 
"Coach Erekson is well prepared and energized to take over our steadily rising program. She is well connected and even better connected after being here at Regionals. The future is bright for the Wolverines. I now shift to the team's biggest fan. It's been a wonderful ride!"
 
To read more about Nyhus' retirement, click HERE.
 
To read more about Erekson's appointment to head coach, click HERE.
 
The host Stanford Cardinal won the Stanford Regional on their home course with a 28-under-par 824. Wake Forest (854), Oklahoma State (855), Virginia Tech (856), Arizona (857) and USC (860) all finished in the top-six to advance to the NCAA Championships. Stanford's Rachel Heck claimed medalist honors with an 11-under-par 202 (68-67-67). San José State's Kajsa Arwefjall (210), Fresno State's Brigitte Thubault (211) and Denver's Anna Zanusso (211) advanced also advanced to nationals as individuals. 
 
The 2021 NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship will be held May 21-26 at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. The final three days of the championships will be televised live by the GOLF Channel.