Greg MakosDaily Egyptian
In a talented field including several Big Ten teams, the SIU women's golf team finished tied with the University of Toledo for 13th place at the Rio Verde Invitational in Arizona.
After a disappointing opening round of 323, the Salukis improved to post team scores of 308 and 310, respectively. Sophomore Christine Zoerlein continued to be the top performer for the Salukis, finishing with a three round total of 235, which tied for 35th place individually. Zoerlien's final round 75 was the lowest individual round for the Salukis.
Junior Josie Lowder finished tied for 45th, two shots behind Zoerlein with a three round total of 237. After opening with an 83, Lowder rebounded and finished with two rounds of 77.
Freshman Braidy Hood carded the second lowest individual round for the Salukis. Her second round score of 76 helped her finish in a tie for 49th place with junior teammate Abbigail Johnson. Both Hood and Johnson finished with scores of 238.
Sophomore Kate Laegeler and junior Samantha Sutzer struggled through their final rounds and finished the competition with scores of 243 and 251, respectively.
Big Ten power Northwestern led the tournament from start to finish and posted a team score of 889, 18 strokes better than second place Michigan. The individual winner of the weekend was Amy Schmucker of Michigan who posted a three round total of 215.
The other MVC teams in the tournament, Missouri State and Bradley, finished ninth and tenth, respectively. The Salukis will return to action March 15-16 at the NIU Snowbird competition.
