Westlake High freshman Lauren Diaz-Yi has qualified for today’s State Golf Championship at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Monterey.

Diaz-Yi fired a 1-over-par 73 during Monday’s CIF-WSGA Southern California Girls’ Golf Championship in Murrieta to advance to state.

According to Warrior head coach Dave Costley, Diaz-Yi is the first freshman from Ventura County to earn an individual berth in the state tournament.

“I wasn’t totally surprised that she made it because she’s been playing so well all year,” Costley said.

“She’s very, very good at preparing herself.”

Diaz-Yi went to a three-hole playoff with three other girls to secure her spot at Poppy Hills. Three teams and six individuals from Southern California made the state tournament.

The WHS freshman sensation was scheduled to travel to Monterey with her parents and play a practice round Wednesday morning.

Westlake senior Danielle Kang posted a 2-over 74 at Murrieta. Costley said it was the first round all season that Kang failed to shoot at or below par.

“Her putting was off a little bit, and she missed some shots she’d normally make,” said Costley of the Pepperdine-bound Kang.

“She was off her game a little bit. But think about that, she was off her game and still shot 2 over par. The expectations from everybody, including herself, are just amazing.”

Another standout freshman, Shannon Holden from Royal, shot an 84. — Stephen Dorman