BIG WEST CONFERENCE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONS:Anteaters prevail

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA — The UC Irvine men’s and women’s golf teams won the team titles in the Big West Conference Championships that concluded Tuesday at Tijeras Creek Golf Club.

The Anteaters men won the program’s fourth title and the first since 2003 with a 54-hole total of 12-under 852 after shooting a 2-over 290 in the final round. UCI, which had a 22-shot lead after the first two rounds Monday, had to hold off a charging Cal Poly team that shot a blistering 19-under 269 over the last 18 holes to finish with a three-round total of 855.

Brett Lederer of Long Beach State was medalist with a 12-under total of 204 on rounds of 65-70-69. UCI’s John Chin, who was named the Big West Freshman of the Year, finished third at 5-under 211 (65-70-76).

Senior Brian Edick, who was named the Big West Athlete of the Year in men’s golf, placed sixth at 214 (68-75-71). Senior Jay Choe, who joined Edick and Chin on the All-Big West first team, finished ninth at 216 (72-72-72). Sophomore Sean Shahi, who was named to the second team, finished 10th at 217 (71-73-73) as did sophomore Tim Cha (68-75-74).

UCI’s Paul Smolinski was named the Big West Coach of the Year for the fifth time in his nine-year career. With the league title, the Anteaters receive an automatic berth into the NCAA regionals, most likely the West at Arizona State’s Karsten Course in Tempe May 17-19.

The UCI women’s team won its third straight conference title and fourth overall with a 54-hole total of 892, 28 shots ahead of runner-up Long Beach State (920). Long Beach State’s Kay Hoey was medalist with a three-round score of 1-under 215 (71-73-71), edging UCI’s Patty Chawalitmetha, who shot even-par 216 (73-66-77). Chawalitmetha was named Big West Freshman of the Year as well as to the All-Big West first team along with junior teammates Selaneé Henderson, Kim Lorenzana and Jane Chin. Henderson finished third with a 54-hole total of 218 (72-73-73), Lorenzana was seventh at 229 (76-76-77) and Chin placed 11th at 233 (80-76-77). Henna Cho, who was named to the All-Big West second team, finished 14th at 235 (79-82-74). UCI first-year coach Julie Brooks was named Big West Coach of the Year. The UCI women’s team earns an automatic berth into the NCAA regionals.