CMS Opens Spring With 32-Stroke Win, Esther Lee Earns Individual Medalist Honors

CORONA, Calif. - The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women's golf team earned a 32-stroke victory at the 2024 Leopard Spring Invitational on Monday and Tuesday, with sophomore Esther Lee earning individual medalist honors with an even-par finish at Dos Lagos Golf Course.

Lee's two-day 140 included a 66 in the opening round on Monday, which is the lowest single-round score in program history. Her -4 was also one shot behind the best score relative to par (67 on a par-72), which she has accomplished twice, including once at the SCIAC Championships last year, while current teammates Stella Cheng and Reina Tain also shot -5 once a year ago. 

In addition to Lee's first place finish, Ella Chiu was second with a 146, shooting an even-par 70 on Tuesday's second round, although she was competing as an individual and didn't factor into the team scoring. Cheng tied for third with a 149, including an even-par 70 on Monday.

Irene Jun had a 76 and Tain had a 79 to account for the four scoring totals on Tuesday, as CMS finished with a 605 for the two rounds. Cal Lutheran was second with a 637. Jessie Kong and Jun joined Lee and Cheng as the four scorers on Monday. 

Jeissy Lee (151) and Christine Yu (156) also had strong rounds playing as individuals to finish sixth and eighth, respectively, on the individual leaderboard. 

CMS will be back in action in 11 days for SCIAC Tournament No. 1, representing the first two of seven SCIAC rounds, which will be held at the Costa Mesa Golf Club on Feb. 24-25.