April 12, 2012
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Junior Kristi Cardwell has been selected as the Big Ten Co-Golfer of the Week, the conference office announced Thursday. Cardwell earned her first career honor after finishing second and leading the Hawkeyes to the team title at the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic.
“This is a much deserved honor for Kristi,” said UI head coach Megan Menzel. “She has had a great week and continues to make a commitment to improve her level of play. I am glad to see her confidence continue to grow as we head into our final two tournaments of the spring season.”
She shared the accolade with Purdue’s Paula Reto.
Cardwell, a native of Kokomo, Ind., finished as the tournament runner-up — a career-best finish — with a three-round total of 213. She opened with a career-low round of 68 (-4) in round one before shooting a two-under 70 in the second round to finish with an Iowa 36-hole school record (138). She closed out the tournament with a three-over 75.
Cardwell’s 213 total is tied with teammate Chelsea Harris for the Iowa 54-hole school record.
The Hawkeyes erased six strokes during Wednesday’s final round to pass Colorado State and claim the team title by six shots. It is Iowa’s first team championship since 2010.
Cardwell is the first Hawkeye women’s golfer to earn the Player of the Week honor since current assistant coach Laura Cilek received the accolade on March 17, 2010.
The Hawkeyes return to action March 21-22 at the Lady Buckeye Invitational in Columbus, Ohio. It will be Iowa’s last tournament before the Big Ten Championships in French Lick, Ind., on April 27-29.