WMU Women's Golf Sits in Third After First Round of Rio Verde Collegiate

Senior Megha Vallabhaneni leads the charge for the Broncos, who are close behind co-leaders Xavier and Wichita State.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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The Western Michigan University women's golf team is making a strong showing at the Rio Verde Collegiate tournament, currently sitting in third place after the first round on Friday. Senior Megha Vallabhaneni is leading the charge for the Broncos, tied for third individually. Teammates Jenna Hayes and Macy Beeson are also in the Top 10, contributing to the team's overall score of 296 (+8).

Why it matters

The Broncos' performance at the Rio Verde Collegiate signals a positive trajectory for the WMU women's golf program, building on momentum from the fall season. The increasing competitiveness in collegiate women's golf reflects a broader trend of growing participation and investment in the sport, with universities providing more resources and opportunities for female athletes.

The details

WMU's A team, comprised of Vallabhaneni, Hayes, Beeson, Danielle Daniy, and Lauren Lupinek, posted a combined score of 296 (+8), placing them closely behind co-leaders Xavier and Wichita State. Daniy and Lupinek both carded a 79 (+7) to complete the team's first-round score. The Broncos' second team, led by sophomore Saanvi Venkatesh with a score of 81 (+9), also competed.

  • The tournament began on Friday, February 21, 2026.
  • Round two is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2026 with a 12 p.m. EST tee off.

The players

Megha Vallabhaneni

A senior on the WMU women's golf team, Vallabhaneni is currently tied for third individually in the Rio Verde Collegiate.

Jenna Hayes

A member of the WMU women's golf team, Hayes is currently in fifth place individually.

Macy Beeson

A member of the WMU women's golf team, Beeson is currently in ninth place individually.

Danielle Daniy

A member of the WMU women's golf A team, Daniy carded a 79 (+7) in the first round.

Lauren Lupinek

A member of the WMU women's golf A team, Lupinek also carded a 79 (+7) in the first round.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The WMU women's golf team will return to the course for round two on Saturday, with tee off scheduled for 12 p.m. EST. Fans can follow the team's progress and stay updated on results through the WMU Athletics website.

The takeaway

The Broncos' strong performance at the Rio Verde Collegiate highlights the growing competitiveness and investment in collegiate women's golf. With dedicated coaching, increased funding, and a deeper talent pool, programs like WMU are poised to continue their rise and produce future stars of the LPGA Tour.