TUCSON, Ariz. (April 7, 2026) – Lubbock Christian University closed out its 2025-26 regular season Tuesday with a share of 10th-place at the WT Desert Invitational, held at the Mountain Course at Lodge at Ventana Canyon, wrapping up a challenging 36-hole event against a field loaded with nationally ranked programs.
The Lady Chaps posted rounds of 315 and 314 for a 36-hole total of 629 (+53), finishing tied for 10th in a 14-team field that featured eight ranked programs, including host West Texas A&M (No. 30), who captured the team title with a 590 (-2). Angelo State and Colorado State Pueblo shared runner-up honors at 602 (+26).
Despite the finish, LCU showed consistency across both rounds, improving slightly on day two while navigating a course that played 5,802 yards at par 72 and rewarded precision, particularly on par-3 scoring opportunities. The Lady Chaps tied for second in the field on par 3s (3.17 average, +7), highlighted by steady play from senior Ali Escamilla, who finished even-par on par 3s for the tournament.
Senior
Anaya Perales paced LCU in the standings, tying for 24th at 154 (+10) after posting matching rounds of 77. She delivered one of the team's most consistent performances, carding identical scores in each round while limiting big mistakes and finishing among the team leaders in pars.
Escamilla followed closely, tying for 30th at 156 (+12), rebounding from an opening-round 80 with a 76 in the final round. Her second-round surge included improved ball striking and efficient scoring on the front nine, helping LCU shave a stroke off its team total.
Freshman Abby Archunde tied for 42nd at 159 (+15), backing up an opening-round 80 with a 79 on Monday.
Nadalie Cannell placed 45th at 160 (+16), while
Hailey Hays rounded out the team scoring in 57th at 165 (+21).
As a team, LCU recorded 91 pars (tied for ninth) and 15 birdies, but was hindered by 11 double bogeys or worse. The Lady Chaps ranked eighth in par-4 scoring (4.52 average).
Individually, Henderson State's Lily Nelson claimed medalist honors at 141 (-3), the lone player to finish under par in the event, while West Texas A&M's Sarah Reed placed second at 143 (-1). Competing as an individual, LCU's
Maryona Lusk finished 76th at 188 (+44).
The WT Desert Invitational marked LCU's second tournament of a stretch of two events over four rounds (two separate 36-hole events) spanning a five-day stretch in Arizona, and the final tune-up for Lubbock Christian before postseason play. The Lady Chaps will next travel to Rockwall, Texas, to compete in the Lone Star Conference Championships beginning April 13 at Rockwall Golf & Athletic Club.
