Team finishes 3rd in tourney

The Indiana Invitational was the only chance for the IU women's golf team to play a tournament on its home course this year. It also served as a final home tournament for five seniors, one of whom made it especially memorable for her team. \nSenior Karen Dennison set a new tournament record as she captured individual medalist honors, finishing at four-under-par for the tournament en route to her second victory of the year. Dennison was the only golfer under par for the tournament and finished five shots clear of second place Katie Brophy of Notre Dame (72-74-77) and Denise Knaebel of Missouri (73-74-76).\nDennison's three-round total of 218 was one shot better than former IU golfer Erica Wicoff's previous tournament record of 219, which was set in 1995. \nThe Hoosiers began Sunday's third round amid light flurries and temperatures in the mid-thirties as they sat in third place, 10 strokes behind Michigan State. Dennison sat in a tie for second at 147, one stroke behind Brophy. \nStrong winds accompanied the cold weather, making scoring conditions tough for all. The Hoosiers ended the day where they started, firing a final round 308 to finish in third place at 923 (308-307-308). Michigan State faltered, shooting a final round 316, which left the door open for Missouri, which shot an even-par 296 as a team to take the title.\nIU coach Sam Carmichael explained that even with a third place finish, the Hoosiers still have room to improve.\n"I don't think we've really turned it around yet. I'm kind of disappointed. Our No. 3, 4 and 5 golfers aren't scoring like they need to be," Carmichael said. "But (senior) Mary Lidester had a good tournament this week. She really helped a lot, shooting 77 and 78, which helps our team total. We've had to count some 83s and 84s this year, and that just buries you."\nLidester, who has seen limited action this year, was the only IU golfer other than Dennison to break 80 in all three rounds. Lidester finished the tournament in tie for 17th at 235 (78-78-79).\nSenior Danah Ford improved each round of the tournament to finish in a tie for 22nd at 236 (80-79-77), and sophomore Molly Redfearn posted a 237 (77-79-81) to tie for 24th.\nThe story of the tournament, however, was Dennison. After an opening-round 76 that left her six shots off the pace, Dennison responded with a four-under 71, which placed her in contention for Sunday. Dennison had been working hard to match her 2002-03 season, in which she won four times and earned first team All-American honors.\n"You always want to win your home tournament, and I put a little more pressure on myself to win it this week," Dennison said. "This being my senior year just makes it that much more special."\nCarmichael added it was even more special to see Dennison win because of the time she put into her game.\n"It's very special for her to win, but also because she's worked so hard this week," Carmichael said. "She hadn't been hitting the ball very well, and she was pretty depressed."\nAt the conclusion of Sunday's final round, Carmichael recognized his seniors, including Dennison, Ford, Lidester, Ambry Bishop and Alyse Tankanow, and presented each of them with a rose. The women returned the favor by showering Carmichael with silly string and confetti to commemorate his final home tournament. Carmichael will retire at the end of this year after being involved with the golf program for 23 years.\nThe Hoosiers will return to action April 17 and 18 at the Lady Boilermaker Invitational in West Lafayette.\n-- Contact staff writer David Paulen at dpaulen@indiana.edu.