Hoosiers struggle at Central District Classic

The IU women's golf team started off its spring season at the Central District Classic in Parrish, Fla., against a highly competitive field. Ten of the 15 teams in the field, including the No. 39 ranked Hoosiers, were in the Golfweek Top 50. \nThe Hoosiers struggled in their first two rounds Monday but battled back Tuesday to finish the tournament in 14th place. IU's final round score of 310 was the fifth-best score of the day and only five strokes behind Northwestern, who posted Tuesday's low round of 305.\nSenior Danah Ford led the way for the Hoosiers, firing a three-round total of 229 (75-77-77). The Indianapolis native finished in a tie for 19th place, nine strokes off the pace. Ford has finished in the top 20 in six of her last eight tournaments, dating back to last year. \nSenior Karen Dennison finished six strokes behind Ford at 235, leaving her in a tie for 36th place. Dennison was even-par in her final round after the first nine holes, but double bogeys on three of her next four holes left her at six-over-par, where she would finish the day with a 78. \nSenior Ambry Bishop finished in a tie for 55th with a three-round total of 244, and sophomore Lissa Putnam finished at 256 in 62nd place. Sophomore Bethany Brunner was disqualified after the first round but finished the tournament with a final round 77 Tuesday.\nThe Hoosiers will head to Houston next week for the Verizon "Mo"morial. The event will be held March 1 and 2 at the Blackhorse Golf Club North Course.