IU places 9th in tourney

Despite being almost done with the season, the IU women’s golf team still has a few things to improve on after its finish at the Indiana Invitational at Crooked Stick Golf Course in Carmel, Ind.\nAfter two straight tournament finishes in the top four, the Hoosiers fell to finish ninth in the 17-team field.\n“We chalk (this tournament) up as a learning experience,” IU head coach Clint Wallman said.\nLeading the way for the Hoosiers for the second time this season was freshman Kellye Belcher, who placed tied for 22nd.\n“It feels good to (be the top finisher for IU),” Belcher said. “It gives me confidence, and it is a good feeling to lead your team.”\nWallman was complimentary of Belcher afterward. He also praised sophomore Amber Lindgren, who placed a season high, tied for 34th as an individual.\n“(Belcher) played well, and we also had good play from Amber, who finished strong,” he said. \nJunior Elaine Harris, coming off an individual win at the Mountain View Collegiate, said there were several reasons why she only finished tied for 46th.\n“Certain events are more difficult,” Harris said. “This was a more difficult course, and the weather was colder.”\nAlso competing for the Hoosiers was junior Lauren Harling, who finished tied for 34th. Freshmen Anita Gahir and Laura Nochta placed tied for 46th and 73rd, respectively. Competing as individuals, juniors Kendal Hake and Gennifer Marrs placed tied for 53rd and 87th, respectively.\nWinning the tournament was Big Ten rival Michigan. Seul Ki Park of Illinois captured the player title. \nAlso of note was the fact that the Hoosiers got their chance to host the tournament, which Wallman said is prestigious despite the work it takes. \n“It presents unique challenges,” he said. “However, it was fun to put on a nice event, and the staff at Crooked Stick was great.”\nThe Hoosiers are back in action April 21 for the final time during the regular season when they compete in the Lady Buckeye Tournament in Columbus, Ohio.\nHarris said the Hoosiers need to improve their results in the future by getting better at a particular aspect of their game.\n“We are working hard and need to improve our short game (for Columbus),” she said.\nWallman hoped this tournament would prepare the Hoosiers well for their next outing.\n“It helped that we played on a championship golf course,” he said, “and we can build on the things we did well here.”