Roussin-Bouchard and Pelaez Named to ANNIKA Award Watch List

COLUMBIA, S.C.  –  South Carolina sophomore Pauline Roussin-Bouchard and senior Ana Pelaez were named to the latest ANNIKA Award Watch List, presented by Stifel, officials announced on Friday. 

Roussin-Bouchard, currently ranked No. 3 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, is in the middle of another outstanding season. The sophomore earned her first win of the season at The Ally in October and notched another win at the Moon Golf Invitational in February. Through five tournaments Roussin-Bouchard has shot par or better in nine of her 13 rounds and holds a 70.77 scoring average. After her win at the Moon Golf Invitational she earned SEC Golfer of the Week honors. 

Pelaez wasted no time showing why she’s one of the best amateurs in the world upon rejoining the squad this spring. Through her two tournaments Pelaez has finished tied for third and tied for six, carding par or better scores in five of her six rounds. Pelaez has a 70.66 scoring average this season, and her career average of 73.59 currently ranks fourth in program history. The senior holds the No. 20 ranking in the latest WAGR. 

Kirner had her best showing in the Garnet and Black thus far, carding a 2-under 70 in the opening round and finishing with an even par 72 in the final round to secure a 20th place finish at the Gamecock Intercollegiate. Her second round at the tournament started out rough, but she found her groove from the previous day late in the second round, sinking birdies on two of her final four holes.

“Pauline and Ana continue to play steady and solid,” head coach Kalen Anderson said. “Their consistent and highly competitive play this season has earned them well deserved spots on the ANNIKA watch list.”

Next up for the No. 3 Gamecocks is a trip to Augusta, Ga. for the Valspar Augusta Invitational on March 13-14.