Chang, Watkins are 1-2 in WSC Finals; Vaqueros complete perfect regular season

SBCC's Carolin Chang shot a 1-over 72 on Monday to capture her second straight WSC Finals title at Buenaventura Golf Course in Ventura.

The sophomore from Taiwan shot 75 on Sunday at Elkins Ranch and 72 on Monday for a 4-over total of 147. She won her eighth medalist award of the year, edging teammate Vanessa Watkins by a stroke. Watkins was the medalist in WSC No. 10 on Monday, firing a season-best 1-under 70. She shot 78 and 70 for a 5-over 148.

The Vaqueros completed an undefeated regular season (88-0) and fired a season-best 291 (7 over par), which was 17 strokes better than their previous low. They totaled 609 for the 36-hole WSC Finals, beating runner-up Bakersfield (366-321--687) by 78 strokes for their 13th tourney title of the year.

"The whole field played well today, the conditions were perfect," said coach Chuck Melendez. "Vanessa finished with three straight birdies and Danielle Picard had six birdies."

Picard turned in her season best with a 73 for a 155 total. Watkins, Picard, Savanah Boss (76), Daniela Ruffo (79) and Corina Garcia (85) all shot season bests.

Chang, the defending state champion, was named WSC Player of the Year and Watkins, Picard, Boss and Ruffo were All-WSC selections. Chang led the WSC in scoring average at 73.75 (with two highest scores thrown out). Watkins was second at 76.0 and Picard tied for fifth at 79.25.

Santa Barbara was perfect in WSC action (60-0) for the third time. The Vaqueros went 45-0 in 2006 and 32-0 in 2013 and went on to win the State title each year.

Citrus finished second at 49-11 and qualified for the Southern Cal Regional, along with Bakersfield, which beat Citrus by six shots in the WSC Finals and tied for third with Antelope Valley at 28-32.

The Vaqueros, who've won two of the last three state titles, claimed the WSC crown for the third time in four years and seventh time in their history.

"It feels good to win the conference again," said Melendez. "I really, really like this team. They're internally motivated, always working hard and a real pleasure to be around."

The Vaqueros will defend their Southern Cal Regional title on Nov. 7-8 at Los Serranos Country Club. Monday's first round will be on the South Course and Tuesday's final round on the North Course with both starting at 9 a.m.

WSC No. 10
At par-71 Buenaventura GC
 Team -- 1, SBCC 291. 2, Bakersfield 321. 3, Citrus 329. 4 (tie), Antelope Valley, Canyons, Glendale, Moorpark, no score.
 Medalist – 1, Vanessa Watkins, SBCC, 70. 2, Carolin Chang, SBCC, 72.
 SBCC scores – 1, Watkins 70. 2, Chang 72. Danielle Picard 73, Savanah Boss 76, Daniela Ruffo 79, Corina Garcia 85.
 Final WSC standings -- 1, SBCC 60-0. 2, Citrus 49-11. 3 (tie), Bakersfield, Antelope Valley 28-32. 5 (tie), Canyons, Glendale, Moorpark 0-60.

WSC Finals (36 holes)
Sunday: At par-72 Elkins Ranch GC
Monday: At par-71 Buenaventura GC
 Team – 1, SBCC 318-291--609. 2, Bakersfield 366-321--687. 3, Citrus 364-329--693. 4 (tie), Antelope Valley 427-NS, Canyons, Glendale, Moorpark, no score.
 Medalist – 1, Carolin Chang, SBCC, 75-72--147. 2, Vanessa Watkins 78-70--148.
 SBCC scores – 1, Chang 75-72--147. 2, Watkins 78-70--148. Danielle Picard 82-73--155, Savanah Boss 83-76--159, Daniela Ruffo 84-79--163, Corina Garcia 93-85--178.
 SBCC overall record – 88-0.