CEDAR CITY, Utah - For the second time in her storied career, Southern Utah University golfer Chanikan (Pluem) Yongyuan has qualified for the NCAA Regionals.

Yongyuan was one of 30 golfers in the country to qualify as an individual and will compete in the Albuquerque Regional.

"We are very excited and proud to have Pluem competing in the NCAA Regionals in Albuquerque," said SUU head coach Richard Church. "Any individual postseason bid in golf is a big accomplishment. Having Pluem advance to regionals for a second time in her career is truly noteworthy."

She made history in 2019 by becoming the first women's golfer in Southern Utah program history to be selected for the NCAA Regionals, and will now compete in the event for the second time. 

Yongyuan had another phenomenal season for the Thunderbirds. She finished in the top-10 in every tournament she competed in, including a first-place victory at the Lady Thunderbird Invitational.

Yongyuan was recognized as a member of the All-Big Sky First Team and earned Big Sky player of the week honors three separate times. She now holds the conference record for most Big Sky player of the week awards with 13 throughout her career.

Joining Yongyuan in the Albuquerque Regional will be Patricie Mackova (Maryland), Sara Jsellker (San Diego State), Bernice Olivarez (San Diego State), Napat Lertsadwattana (New Mexico), and Lauren Lehigh (New Mexico), along with 12 teams.

The tournament will take place May 9-11 at the University of New Mexico Championship Course, as the six individuals and competitors from each of the 12 teams will partake in one, 18-hole round each day for a total of 54 holes. The top two individual performers (not on an advancing team) will qualify for the 2022 NCAA Women's Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Ariz. from May 20-25. 

The full list of participants for the Albuquerque Regional can be found below:

Teams:

1.         Oregon
2.         Florida
3.         Texas 
4.         Arizona
5.         Georgia
6.         TCU
7.         Louisville
8.         North Texas 
9.         Oklahoma
10.       Sam Houston State
11.       Northern Arizona
12.       New Mexico State

Individuals:
1.         Patricie Mackova, Maryland
2.         Sara Kjellker, San Diego State
3.         Bernice Olivarez, San Diego State
4.         Napat Lertsadwattana, New Mexico
5.         Lauren Lehigh, New Mexico
6.         Pluem Yongyuan, Southern Utah

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