April 28, 2012
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FRENCH LICK, Ind. — The University of Iowa women’s golf team shot a 301 (+13) on Saturday during the second round of the Big Ten Championships in French Lick, Ind. The Hawkeyes ascended two spots on the leaderboard and enter Sunday’s third and final round in ninth place with a 54-hole score of 620 (319-301=620, +44).
“We came out today and showed a little better touch around the greens,” said head coach Megan Menzel. “We’re ready to go. We need to go out tomorrow and compete like we did today to hopefully put ourselves in a good spot.”
Senior Chelsea Harris carded a two-under 70 on Saturday, the second-best score among the 72 participants. She tied her lowest score of the season, as she also posted a 70 during the third round of the Westbrook Spring Invitational on Feb. 27. The Normal, Ill., native recorded a 35 on the front and back nine. Harris registered a team-high five birdies, including back-to-back birdies on the holes one and two. Harris climbed into the tournament’s top 10, as she moved 15 spots up the leaderboard Saturday. She enters the third round tied for 10th with a two round total of 148 (78-70, +4)
“My putting was a lot better today,” said Harris. “My ball striking was very, very good. On my back nine, which was the front nine, I had nine greens within 15 feet. I was hitting the ball fantastic today and everything came together, it was almost effortless.”
Junior Kristi Cardwell fired an even-par 36 on the front nine en route to a second round 76 (+4). Cardwell finished the day tied for 39th with freshman Shelby Phillips with a 36-hole score of 158 (+14). Phillips shot a 77 (+5) during the second round that included consecutive birdies on holes one and two. Junior Gigi DiGrazia also recorded back-to-back birdies. She accomplished the feat on holes six and seven. DiGrazia ended the second round tied for 44th with a 159 (81-78, +15).
Freshman Lauren English (79-84=163, +19) and sophomore Karly Grouwinkel (104-87=191, +47) rounded out the Hawkeye scorecard.
Michigan State leads the 12-team field with a two round total of 590 (298-292, +14). The Spartans’ Lindsey Solberg leads all individuals with a one under 143 (73-70).
The 54-hole championship is being held at the 6,156-yard, par 72 Donald Ross Course at the French Lick Resort in French Lick, Ind.
The Hawkeyes return to the links tomorrow for the third and final round. Iowa will begin at 7 a.m. (CT) on tenth tee. Fans can follow the action live on www.golfstat.com.
Team Results
1. Michigan State – 298-292=590 (+14)
2. Ohio State – 298-297=595 (+19)
3. Michigan – 305-294=599 (+23)
9. Iowa – 319-301=620 (+44)
Individual Results
1. Lindsey Solberg (Michigan State) – 73-70=143 (-1)
T2. Rachel Rohanna (Ohio State) – 74-71=145 (+1)
T2. Caroline Powers (Michigan State) – 72-73=145 (+1)
T10. Chelsea Harris (Iowa) – 78-70-148 (+4)
T39. Kristi Cardwell (Iowa) – 82-76=158 (+14)
T39. Shelby Phillips (Iowa) – 81-77=158 (+14)
T44. Gigi DiGrazia (Iowa) – 81-78=159 (+15)
T59. Lauren English (Iowa) – 79-84=163 (+19)
72. Karly Grouwinkel (Iowa) – 104-87=191 (+47)