Washington clinches first win of season at Kā‘anapali
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The Washington Huskies won the 2025 Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational on Wednesday at Kā'anapali at 19-under.
The Huskies' 11-stroke victory came against two-time Dr. Donnis' team champions, Sacramento State, which finished in second at 8-under. Oregon State (-7), Denver (-2) and Brigham Young University (E) rounded out the top five.
"We didn't begin this tournament great. I attributed it to the nerves of starting three freshman and Royal Kā'anapali's challenging layout," said Washington coach Mary Lou Mulflur, who will retire at season's end after leading the Huskies for 42 seasons. "However, we stayed present, focused and showed terrific grit. I can't think of a better place to celebrate a win!"
Washington's victory is the Huskies' first team title of the 2024-25 season.
Sacramento State continues to flirt with the winner's circle. The Hornets have come up just short in their last three events, finishing in second, fourth and second, respectively.
The tournament's individual title came down to the final hole, as Washington's Vivian Lu birdied No. 18 to tie Gonzaga's Grace Lee at 11-under. Lu and Lee were named individual co-champions.
Washington's Vivian Lu (left) and Gonzaga's Grace Lee celebrate their 2025 Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational individual co-championship. Courtesy photo
"Viv is very deserving of her co-title after putting in the work necessary to nurture success," Mulflur said. "She has always harnessed great potential. Her commitment to continuous improvement has paid off. I am proud of her."
Vivian Lu’s birdie putt on the 18th hole clinched her individual co-title with Grace Lee in the 2025 Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational on Royal Kā'anapali. Courtesy photo
Denver's Emma Bryant and Oregon State's Kyra Ly began the day in four-way tie for second (-5). They both finished in a two-way tie for third (-7). Bryant was named a 2024 All-Summit League First Team selection. Ly was a three-time Oregon Junior Golf Player of the Year.
Oregon State sophomore and O'ahu native Raya Nakao earned a three-way tie for sixth with Cal Poly's Jensen Jalufka and Sacramento State's Sneha Sharan (-4). Nakao previously won the 2022 HHSAA State Championship at Kā'anapali.
Two hole-in-ones were recorded on Wednesday. Montana State's Becca Tschetter and Washington's Kennedy Knox both aced the 17th hole.
"On my very last hole (started on hole 18), I hit a 50-degree wedge that was tracking well, but couldn't believe my eyes when it disappeared in the cup!" Knox said. "My first ever hole-in-one, in Hawai'i of all places, was really memorable."
The host Rainbow Wahine were led by junior Emiko Sverduk (T40; +2), the team scoring leader in five tournaments last year.
Next on Hawai'i's schedule, they travel to Fresno, California, to play in the Fresno State Classic.
Gonzaga’s Grace Lee bombs her tee shot on the par 4 3rd hole on Royal Kā'anapali. Courtesy photo