September 16, 2025

San Diego State Women’s Golf Team Begins Season at Invitational

News Summary

The San Diego State women’s golf team starts its season at the Leadership and Golf Invitational at Chambers Bay Golf Course. With 17 teams competing, the Aztecs are looking to build on previous successes under head coach Lauren Dobashi. Key players include returning favorites and talented freshmen. After the first day, the team sits in 11th place, with standout Ema Narita leading the way. The tournament offers a mix of experience and new talent as the Aztecs aim for a competitive season ahead.

University Place, WA – The San Diego State women’s golf team officially kicks off its 2025-26 season on Monday at the Leadership and Golf Invitational, a tournament co-hosted by Seattle and Washington. This year’s event will take place at the renowned Chambers Bay Golf Course, known for its links-style layout and breathtaking views of Puget Sound.

Competitors will navigate through a packed schedule that includes 36 holes on the opening day and 18 holes on Tuesday, with both days starting with an 8 a.m. shotgun start. A total of 17 teams are participating, with a strong representation from West Coast institutions. Among the notable teams are Mountain West rivals Fresno State and San Jose State. Other schools in the mix include Cal Poly, Colorado, UC Davis, Oregon State, Long Beach State, San Francisco, Grand Canyon, Eastern Michigan, Hawai’i, Arkansas Little Rock, Louisiana Monroe, Washington, and Seattle.

Heading into her fifth season as the Aztecs’ head coach, Lauren Dobashi has assembled a lineup that features athletes with promising credentials. The team consists of Kylie Phi, Nikki Kato, Ema Narita, Stephanie Barbaglia, and freshman Manon Martin. Each player brings unique skills and experiences to the team, marking a competitive spirit for the upcoming season.

Kylie Phi, a standout from Fountain Valley, California, had an impressive freshman season, participating in all 11 tournaments and earning the Mountain West Freshman of the Week title three times. Nikki Kato from Redmond, Washington, has already participated in eight tournaments, achieving a career-best score of even par 72 during last year’s event at Chambers Bay.

Ema Narita, who hails from Tokyo, Japan, has a solid track record, ranking second in scoring for the Aztecs over her initial two years. Last season, she boasted a remarkable 95.2% count percentage. Stephanie Barbaglia, from Johannesburg, South Africa, has consistently been the top golfer for the Aztecs in the previous two seasons, tying her personal record last year at Chambers Bay with a score of 213.

Freshman Manon Martin, who comes from Courbevoie, France, also enters the season with accolades, having secured third place at the 2025 Championnat de Ligue. This year marks the Aztecs’ third consecutive season launching at the Leadership and Golf Invitational, where they previously finished fourth out of 16 teams, with Barbaglia claiming a tied-seventh place with a score of 213 (-3).

Chambers Bay Golf Course has received high praise, including being named the best public course in Washington State by Golf Week. The weather for the event is expected to be favorable, with partly cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 70s on Monday and warming to the high 70s on Tuesday.

As the tournament unfolds, the Aztecs finished the first day in 11th place. Ema Narita led the team with a score of one-under-par 143, currently sitting in fifth place. Narita’s consistency was highlighted as she recorded four birdies in each of her opening rounds, shooting a 71 and a 73 respectively. Other scores from the Aztecs include Stephanie Barbaglia at 157, Manon Martin at 159, and Nikki Kato at 161.

The Leadership and Golf Invitational not only provides an opportunity for the Aztecs to kickstart their season but also sets a competitive tone as they aim to improve upon their previous performances. With a blend of experienced players and fresh talent, the team is geared up for an exciting season ahead.

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Author: Anaheim Staff Writer

Anaheim Staff Writer The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.

Anaheim Staff Writer

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