RIO GRANDE VALLEY – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros women's golf team looks to take that next step as they begin a new era under the guidance of Director of Golf Houston Moore and Associate Head Coach Puthita Khuanrudee. 
 
"It's the beginning of a new process on the women's side of things," Moore said. "I am excited to help these ladies develop and take that next step as a program and seeing how this new dynamic works."
 
Moore now oversees both the men's and women's programs after leading just the men's program the last three seasons. Now, Moore will get the opportunity to see his teams have a chance at two wins each week and two possible conference championships at the end of the year. 
 
"I am excited," Moore said. "I get double the opportunities to compete. That's what I love to do. I love taking these guys and ladies on the road and seeing how we shake up against the rest. Now, we have double the opportunities to do that. That's what I am most excited about his season."
 
The Vaqueros welcome back six from last year's squad, led by junior Natalia Rodriguez, who earned All-Southland Conference after posting a 76.8 stroke average with six top-20 finishes. UTRGV also brings back senior Cristina Galban, juniors Camila Herrera and Preston Saiz, and sophomores Kieli Saenz and Mia Truong. 
 
The growth of the returners and their experience will be key to the Vaqueros success this season.
 
"I want to see how we take that next step," Moore said. "It's essentially a new team. We have three new faces that have come in and six returners, so we are excited about that group. We are excited to see each of them as Coach Pang and I get our feet under us."
 
The Vaqueros brought in three new faces this season as they welcome Miriam Barcalova, Zoe Hobbs, and Pitchayapa Pungpho.
 
Barcalova brings experience after playing her freshman season at Florida Atlantic while Pungpho played her freshman season at Lindsey Wilson where she earned All-American honors. 
 
The newcomers certainly add experience and talent to the Vaqueros and that could make an impact on the scores and standings this season.  
 
"I look forward to them taking the next step and moving up those leaderboards," Moore said. "Individually, they have their own marks they want to hit but as a team, there is talent here. We hope to get the best out of each individual person. I think that would be our biggest goal as a staff. We want to see how much we can get out of each and tap into their potential."
 
The season starts this weekend at the Lady Clerico before going to the Red Raider Invitational at the end of September. UTRGV will also compete at the Diamante Intercollegiate and then close it out at the Bear Brawl in Waco. 
 
The Vaqueros have the potential to turn some heads this fall. It certainly will be exciting to see what they can do out on the course. 
 
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