Chang, Watkins guide Vaqueros to Desert Classic crown

SBCC trimmed 13 strokes off its first-round score with a 319 on Saturday to claim the Desert Classic women's golf title at Bermuda Dunes Country Club.

Carolin Chang carded a 1-over 73 and finished third at 149 in the 36-hole tournament. Vanessa Watkins added a 75 and took fifth for the Vaqueros (21-0), who won their second straight two-day tournament.

SBCC topped the 11-team field at 651, beating Cuyamaca (334-332) by 15 shots after entering Saturday's play with a 2-stroke advantage. Li Chi Liu of Desert was the medalist, shooting 70 and 73 for a 1-under 143.

"We set a goal for each player to be five strokes better and we shaved a lot of strokes," said coach Chuck Melendez. "I really like this group and their work ethic. We have some outstanding players and we're going to get better and better."

The Vaqueros will make their only home appearance of the year on Monday, Sept. 12 when they host WSC No. 2 at the Santa Barbara Golf Club, starting at 10:30 a.m.

Desert Classic
At par-72 Bermuda Dunes CC
Final scores
 Team (11 schools) – 1, SBCC 332-319--651. 2, Cuyamaca 334-332--666. 3, Saddleback 351-346--697. 4, Mt. SAC 356-353--709. 5, Irvine Valley 353-361--714. 6, Desert 354-365--719. 7, Citrus 395-379--774. 8, Mt. San Jacinto 401-375--776. No score: Bakersfield, Crafton Hills, Palomar.
 Medalist -- 1, Li Chi Liu, Desert, 70-73--143. 2, Kabrea Rosas, Desert, 71-77--148. 3, Carolin Chang, SBCC, 76-73--149. 5, Vanessa Watkins, SBCC, 81-75--156.
 SBCC scores -- 3, Chang 76-73--149. 5, Watkins 81-75--156, Savanah Boss 88-84--172, Danielle Picard 87-87-174, Daniela Ruffo 94-87--181, Corina Garcia 97-93--190.