Golf: Aggies Finish Tied for Third at Conference USA Championship

FRISCO, Texas – The NM State women’s golf team turned in an impressive three‑day performance at the 2026 Energy Transfer Conference USA Women’s Golf Championship, finishing tied for third at Stonebriar Country Club. The Aggies posted team rounds of 298, 297 and 292 to close the championship at 887 (+23), securing a top-three finish in the 10‑team field.

NM State remained in contention throughout the tournament, opening play tied for sixth before climbing the leaderboard in Round 2. The Aggies saved their best round for last, firing a 292 (+4) in the final round to lock up their third‑place finish and cap the championship on a strong note.

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The Aggies were led by Emma Bunch, who delivered one of the standout performances of the entire championship. After opening with rounds of 76 and 73, Bunch surged up the leaderboard with a final‑round 65 (‑7)—the lowest round of the tournament—to finish second individually at 214 (‑2).

Rylee Salome was another key contributor for NM State, opening the tournament with a 70 (‑2) to tie for the individual lead after Round 1. Salome remained near the top of the leaderboard throughout the week and finished tied for third overall at 218 (+2), marking the best finish of her freshman campaign.
 
Sophia Luna finished tied for 16th, contributing consistent scores in all three rounds, while Marley Moncada placed tied for 37th after navigating challenging conditions during the championship. Alexandria Armendariz rounded out the Aggie lineup, closing the week in 42nd.
 
NM STATE LEADERBOARD
T3. New Mexico State – 298‑297‑292—887 (+23)

2. Emma Bunch – 76‑73‑65—214 (‑2)
T3. Rylee Salome – 70‑73‑75—218 (+2)
T16. Sophia Luna – 77‑72‑75—224 (+8)
T37. Marley Moncada – 75‑79‑78—232 (+16)
42. Alexandria Armendariz – 78‑79‑77—234 (+18)

For complete coverage of NM State Women’s Golf, follow us on Twitter (@NMStateWGolf), Instagram (@NMStateWGolf) and Facebook (NM State Women’s Golf). You can also follow along with Aggie Women’s Golf via NMStateSports.com.