April 24, 2004
Columbia, Mo. - Following an approximately three hour rain delay, the University of Missouri women's golf squad wasted no time making some noise in the second round of the Big 12 Women's Golf Championships on Saturday. Mizzou fired the best round of the day (299) and jumped from 10th after yesterday's action to 6th heading into Sunday's final round. The Championship is being held in College Station, Texas, at the Pebble Creek Country Club (par 72, 6,242 yards).
"We played solid the entire day," 2004 Big 12 Coach of the Year Stephanie Cooper said. "I was really pleased with the heart and character our kids showed today after struggling throughout yesterday's round. Everyone improved their score and worked through the kinks and hopefully we can make a solid showing tomorrow in the final round."
The Tigers were the recipient of great performances from junior Maria Ohlsson, and sophomores Denise Knaebel and Kelli Strubinger. Ohlsson jumped from ninth to a tie for 4th in the event after firing a one-over par 73 on the day, giving her a two day total of 147, just three strokes out of the second place spot. Knaebel and Strubinger were also made great strides during the second day of action. After shooting a 78 in the first round which put her in a tie for 32nd, Knaebel was brilliant in round two firing an even-par 72 to move into a tie for 11th. The round of 72 equaled her best round of the spring. Strubinger was also red-hot on Saturday. She moved from 28th to 16th after shooting a second-round 75 giving her at two-round total of 152, only three strokes out of the top 10.
The Tigers will wrap up play at the Championship on Sunday with Round 3 set to tee off at 8 a.m. CST. Mizzou is in search of the it's second straight top 3 finish at the Big 12 Championships after finishing second at last year's event. They are five strokes out of third place and only 11 strokes out of second. Live scoring will be provided at www.mutigers.com. For a complete wrap up of the weekend, check back to www.mutigers.com late Sunday afternoon.