Freshman Nicole Rivera demonstrated her ability to rebound and excel, shooting a 1 under par score of 69 at Riverview Golf Course in Santa Ana to earn medalist honors for the Irvine Valley women's golf team.

Rivera opened her round with four straight pars and a birdie. Potential disaster loomed when she tripled bogeyed the following par 3.

But she answered by driving the green on the 317-yard seventh hole and sank a 50-foot putt on a sanded green for an eagle.

Along with the eagle, Rivera also finished with five birdies.

"Riverview is a difficult course on which to post a low score," IVC Coach Ben Burnett said. "Many tee shots are hit down into a narrow landing area next to the sandy riverbed. Keeping your ball in play and avoiding disasters is a major challenge. Trying to putt sanded greens makes the round even more challenging."

IVC sophomore Sam Roberts continued her string of fine play. She posted a score of 73 and also had five birdies on the day. Roberts shot 35 on the opening nine holes.

Freshman Tiffany Kane completed the individual scoring for Irvine Valley. Despite having an ear infection, she ended the round with a score of 86 included. Kane made two birdies.

IVC's next match is a five-way competition at Los Serranos in Chino Hills on Monday on the Los Serranos South course.