April 3, 2004
Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri women's golf squad overcame cold, windy conditions in Bloomington, Ind., on Saturday, finishing the opening day of the Indiana Invitational in second place. The Tigers are just seven strokes behind Michigan State and are in search of their second tournament championship of the season. Mizzou has finished in the top three in six of the eight tournaments they have played in so far this season.
The 15-team tournament is being played at the par-74, 6,034-yeard Indiana University Golf Course. Six competitors are playing for each team and the top four scores from each squad are counted in the total team score. The Tigers finished second last year in this tournament to Purdue.
"Our kids really battled today and were solid despite the blustery conditions," head coach Stephanie Cooper said. "We need to continue to put well and play smart
The Tigers were led by Big 12 stroke average leader Denise Knaebel, who fired a one-under par 147 on the day, putting her in a tie for second place, just one stroke behind tourney leader Katie Brophy of Notre Dame. Knaebel fired rounds of 73 and 74 on the day and is looking for her fourth top10 finish of the season. Fellow sophomore Kelli Strubinger was on fire in the opening round, pouring in a two-under par 72. However, the elements effected Strubinger in the second round as she shot an 81, but is still in striking distance of the top 10 with a 153, putting her in a tie for 13th place.
Junior Maria Ohlsson bounced back from an 82 in the opening round to fire a 75 in the second round, putting her in a tie for 24th. Ohlsson wrapped up her day with a birdie and an eagle to get herself in a position to make a run at the Top 10, which commences tomorrow morning at 8:30 CST (9:30 EST).
Results will be posted on www.mutigers.com late tomorrow afternoon following the final round. For more information on Mizzou women's golf, log on to www.mutigers.com.