(Solvang, CA) For the second year in a row, Mt. SAC's Mackenzie Kelly qualified for the CCCAA Women's Golf State Championships as an individual player.  Kelly place 7th overall (80, 84) at the SoCal Championships, held at Alisal River Golf Course in Solvang, on November 4th and 5th.  The Mounties finished in 5th as team (722), one place out of qualifying for the 2-day state championships.    

College of the Canyons took the SoCal Title with with a low score of 603, followed by College of the Desert (647), Santa Barbara CC (659) and Saddleback (664).

The state championships will be held at the Morro Bay Golf Course on November 11th and 12th.

"I'm stoked that I get to go to state again and I'm happy to be in Morro Bay again," Kelly said. "The course (at So Cal's) was pretty forgiving, which helped me a lot.

"I played better the first day, but I had some great shots that saved my bad shots the second day. I had two birdies just from making a long putt. I just tried to focus on the next hole."

On day one, Kelly's 80 was good enough for seventh, out of 56 golfers from nine teams and six individuals.  

"It is absolutely fantastic that Mackenzie has qualified," replied Mt. SAC Women's Golf Coach Greg Osbourne. "Mackenzie has improved so much. She knows how to handle the pressure well and is excited to represent Mt. SAC for the second year in a row."

Missing the cut for state by just five strokes was freshman Cristina Liu (82, 87) who had a two-day total of 169.

"Regionals were incredible," Liu said. "The course had breathtaking views and the layout was very nice.

"I had consistent shots, but some holes were tight to get around and had unlucky lies. My drives were great and down the middle. Overall, my game was ok, but putting was my downfall as they (greens) were hard to read."

Just 10 strokes from the state cut line was Mt. SAC's Brianna Rojo (85, 89) with a two-day 174.

Other Mt. SAC scores: Yen Hsu, 215 (108, 107); Julyssa Mendiola, 231 (113, 118) and Andrea Villarino-Uribe, 236 (120, 116).

In response to being asked about her season, Liu replied, "...being a player at Mt. SAC this year has been completely rewarding. I'm excited to be better for next year."

"Coach (Osbourne) has given my teammates and I so much advice.  I'm so grateful and thankful to him. All of the opportunities and courses that Mt. SAC provides and how well we are being taken care of, is just amazing."

"This year, the team supported each other to the end and we all practiced on time and never complained."

Follow Mt. SAC Women's Golf on twitter @MtSAC_WGolf

Follow Mt. SAC Athletics on twitter @MtSAC_athletics or Facebook @Mountie.Athletics

For additional information, please contact the Mt. SAC Sports Information Office at 909.274.4630.