Other Sports
UCA posts –3 to claim third at Diamante Intercollegiate
Bears women’s golf team posted a –3 at the Diamante Intercollegiate to finish third overall in Hot Springs Village
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, Ark. — UCA Bears women’s golf wrapped up their fall season on a strong note, registering a team score of 3-under par to earn third place at the Diamante Intercollegiate, held Oct. 19-21 at Diamante Country Club.
The tournament featured three rounds of stroke play.
The Bears averaged 3.03 strokes on par-3 holes and 4.07 on par-4s, recording 173 pars, 46 birdies and one eagle across the field.
Leading the way was freshman Alethea Gaccion, who carded rounds of 1-under, 1-under and even par for a 2 total, placing ninth individually.
Juniors Maggie Huett and sophomore Gudrun Thorsteinsdottir both logged a one-under total (Huett: –1; Thorsteinsdottir: –1) and tied for 12th.
The Bears’ 3 mark placed them behind only Boston College, who claimed the title at 28-under par.
The UCA squad’s consistency over the three-day event paid dividends, particularly on the par-3s and par-4s where their averages reflected steadiness rather than boom-or-bust swings.
Gaccion said after the final round that she settled into her swing early and kept her composure on the back nine, reflecting a calm approach for a freshman playing in a fall finale.
The overall team gave credit to the coaching staff for preparation and mental focus heading into each round.
Beyond the top three, junior Valeria Ramirez finished at +3 (even/+3/even) and senior Aubrey Marx signed for a +15 (7/+1/+7).
Additionally, two members competed as individuals and were not included in the team total: junior Nanami Hayakawa went +1 (–1/–2/+4) and freshman Camila Negroni shot +7 (+2/+3/+2).
While Marx’s week was difficult, the overall team depth allowed UCA to stay near the top of the leaderboard.
With the fall portion of their schedule ending, UCA will next compete in the Judson Collegiate Invitational in Hattiesburg, Miss., on Oct. 27-28.
The third-place finish at a strong field in Hot Springs Village boosts confidence and gives momentum into the spring season.
In collegiate women’s golf, strong fall play can set the tone for spring performance and team rankings. The Bears’ showing highlights their capability to contend when key contributors are under par, and the team averages suggest they can build from this showing.
Given that Boston College ran away with the title at –28 and UCA placed third at –3, the gap remains significant, but the Bears’ goal will be to shrink that margin in the months to come.
Spring competition begins in early 2026, and UCA will seek to convert this strong finish into a tournament win.
Senior leadership, combined with freshman performance like Gaccion’s, position the team well. If the Bears can capitalize on momentum and maintain consistency across all holes, they may challenge for top finishes in conference and regionals.
Information from UCA Sports is included in this story.
