March 8, 2003

HUSKIES IMPROVE; FINISH TENTH AT SPRINGLAKE INVITATIONAL
SEBRING, FL-- While 18 Major League Baseball teams commence their spring training in Florida, the Northern Illinois University women's golf team began its "winter training" this week as they hosted the fifth annual Springlake Invitational. The Huskies completed the 36-hole event with a 703 aggregate (356-347), finishing tenth in the ten-team event.

"This is our winter training," Huskie links boss Pam Tyska stated. "This is only the third round we have gotten to play since October." Having ample training time with the Florida weather, Florida Gulf Coast University squeaked out a one-stroke victory over Nova Southeastern University. Western New Mexico University finished another stroke back in third-position.

Providing senior leadership for Northern Illinois was Janelle Warrick (Neenah, WI), who finished Saturday with a 170 (83-87). Freshman Jackie Bailey (Decatur / Warrensburg-Latham) finished three strokes behind Warrick with a 173 (86-87).

Bailey's classmate Ally Williams (Hoffman Estates / Palatine Fremd) improved six strokes from her first round 92 to finish the event at 178 (92-86). Meanwhile, junior Irish Whalen (Hanover / River Ridge) shaved eight strokes off her round from Friday, finishing at 182 (95-87) for the first event of the spring season.

Rookie Lynzee Gumm (Galesburg) shot two strokes below her average on Saturday, carding an 88 to finish the weekend at 189 (101-88).

"This was the first event of the spring," Tyska added. "We've got a long way left on this season, and we are going to continue improving throughout this season."

The Huskies continue winter training in Florida this week, shifting scenery to Orlando, where they will tee off in the Peggy Kirk Bell Invitational on Monday. The event, hosted by Rollins College, will tee off at 8 a.m. at the Tuscawilla Country Club.

--Copy by Matthew Baylor
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