IU places 13th at Lady Buckeye Invite

At the start of the season, the message was simple from IU women's golf coach Clint Wallman. \n"We just want to score better with every round," he said.\nWhile the Hoosiers were steady in their play this weekend at the Lady Buckeye Invitational, there was only so much they could do against the best of the Big Ten and two Southern powerhouses in the University of Florida and Auburn University. The Hoosiers fired rounds of 306, 307 and 308. If a team could shoot as consistently, Wallman would never be convinced of it.\n"I am extremely encouraged by our performance this weekend," Wallman said. "We had consistent play top to bottom and showed great balance. I think we are a solid Big Ten team and showed we can compete. We are looking forward to hosting the Big Ten Championships on our home course next weekend." \nNext weekend, the Hoosiers have the privilege of playing host to the Big Ten Championships at the IU Championship Golf Course. In the fall, the Hoosiers played host to the Lady Northern Championships. With many of the Big Ten teams competing, the squad caught a glimpse of its competition and finished sixth in the 12-team field.\nThis weekend, senior Shannon Johnson tied for 29th with rounds of 74, 75 and 76. Sophomore Elaine Harris also turned in a good outing with rounds of 75, 77 and 75, good enough for a 35th-place tie. Freshman Amber Lindgren, who has shown steady play throughout her rookie season, stroked rounds of 78, 79 and 79. Freshman teammate Tara Boone had rounds of 79, 80 and 78. Rounding out the card for the cream and crimson was junior Jenny Kim, who had rounds of 83, 76 and 79.\nWallman said he was pleased with the effort of his low-scorers and is confident heading into the Big Tens next weekend.\n"I thought both played really solid," Wallman said. "Elaine (Harris) had a great week and really proved she can play at the highest level. Shannon (Johnson) continues to play well as she has throughout the spring season, and she has the skills to go the distance."\nWallman spoke about the Big Ten Championships as well.\n"It's a huge advantage for us getting to play on our home course," he said. "It should really benefit the girls." \nThe Big Ten Championships will be held April 28-30 at the IU Championship Golf Course.