May 20, 2005
Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri Women's Golf squad wrapped up a historic week for the program on Friday as its first appearance in the NCAA Championships concluded. Mizzou finished up the Championships in 16th place after shooting a 302 in the final round and ended the tournament with a total of 1205. Head Coach Stephanie Cooper said she was pleased with the Tigers' efforts all season and looks forward to this being the first of many NCAA Championship appearances for her squad.
"We represented ourselves well here and showed that we are definitely one of the top programs in the country," Cooper said. "I am extremely proud of our entire team and I appreciate the effort and commitment Mindy (Bullard) and Maria (Ohlsson) (the two Tiger seniors) have shown during their four years here at Mizzou. We continue to build on the foundation we have established and we look forward to making a run in the NCAA Championships again next year."
Junior Denise Knaebel was brilliant in the final round as she shot an even-par 71, the best round by a Tiger this week at the par-71, 6,312-yard Meadows Course at Sunriver Resort in Bend, OR. Knaebel recorded 14 pars, two bogeys and two birdies on the day to finish the tourney with a total of 298 and was Mizzou's top finisher in a tie for 34th. Seniors Mindy Bullard and Maria Ohlsson and junior Kelli Strubinger all shot 77 in the final round with Bullard finishing the tourney in a tie for 60th (303), Ohlsson finished in a tie for 68th (304) and Strubinger finished in a tie for 78th (306).
The Tigers finish one of the most impressive seasons in school history. Mizzou won three tournaments and made its first NCAA Championship appearance in school history under the leadership of Coach Cooper. The Tigers equaled school records for wins in a season with three and also set the mark for season 18-hole team stroke average.
For more information on Mizzou Women's Golf, log on to www.mutigers.com.