PALM DESERT, Calif. – In a field that was loaded with talent and featured 13 of the top 25 teams in this week's Women's Golf Coaches Association (WGCA) poll, the Carleton women's golf team finished seventh of 15 total teams at the NCAA National Preview, which took place at Desert Willow Golf Resort. 
 
After opening the weekend with an eight-over-par 296 on Saturday, the Knights played well again on Sunday, carding a total of 299 (+11) for a weekend total of 595 (+19).  Carleton finished just two shots behind third-ranked Washington University in St. Louis and 12th-ranked Randolph-Macon College, who tied for fifth. 
 
Second-ranked Carnegie Mellon ran away with the title, shooting an incredible 16-under-par over the two rounds.  The Tartans finished 13 shots clear of second place Emory, who was the top-ranked squad entering the weekend. 
 
Senior Carter Sichol tied for 11th on the individual leaderboard to lead the way for the Knights.  The Winnetka, Ill., native posted an even-par 144 for the weekend.  After carding a one-under 71 on Saturday, Sichol continued her consistent play with a one-over 73 on Sunday.  The highlight of Sichol's round came from back-to-back birdies on the par-four 11th and 12th holes.  She played those two holes in four-under par for the weekend. 
 
Fellow senior Cynthia Lu followed with another two-over-par 74 to give her a total of 148 (+4) on the weekend.  That score was good enough to place her in a tie for 21st.  Lu carded four birdies on the day, highlighted by a stretch of three birdies in five holes beginning on the par-three 14th. 
 
Junior Mindy Zhai used a two-under-par 34 on the back nine to earn a three-over-par 75 on Sunday.  Zhai birdied the par-four 10th and the par-three 17th to go along with seven pars for a perfect back nine.  Her 75 on Sunday matched her opening round score to give her a total of 150 (+6) to tie for 28th on the individual leaderboard.
 
First-year Kate Yi posted her career-low round with a five-over 77 on Sunday.  Yi posted 14 pars in her final round to give her a weekend total of 155 (+11) to tie her for 49th.  Senior Sarah Zheng was the next Knight to compete.  Zheng carded an eight-over-par 80 for a weekend total of a 12-over-par 156 and a tie for 53rd.  Sophomore Anna Lee competed as an individual in the tournament and finished with a 13-over-par 157 to tie for 61st. 
 
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton will compete in one final tune-up prior to the MIAC Championships in early October.  The Knights will take part in the St. Kate's Invite on Saturday and Sunday in Woodbury and Edina.