March 14, 2007

DeKalb, Ill.--The Northern Illinois women's golf team hosts its third event of the spring season, the 21^st Annual NIU Snowbird Intercollegiate tournament, featuring 11 teams, which will be played on March 15^th and 16^th at Pebble Creek Country Club in Tampa, Florida -- a venue that has faithfully served as the site of the Snowbird Intercollegiate for eighteen of its twenty-one years.

Each day will consist of one round with an 8 a.m. (CST) shotgun start.  

NIU Head Coach Pam Tyska believes that both the longevity of the event and the exceptional hospitality of the Pebble Creek staff that has instilled a great sense of pride in the tournament. 

"We are so proud to host one of the longest standing women's collegiate golf tournaments in the country," Tyska said. "This event holds the longest history of women's intercollegiate golf events that are held away from host institutions' campuses. 

"Significant renovations to the Pebble Beach clubhouse, services and course make our event better each year."  

The 11-team field includes: Northern Illinois, Murray State, Eastern Kentucky, Appalachian State, Mercer University, Texas-Pan American, Florida Tech, Western Illinois, Stetson University, Florida Gulf Coast University and University of Florida. 

Tyska appreciates the continued loyalty of the quality teams that are participating.

"Several schools have made multiple Snowbird appearances and have won both team and individual honors in the past," Tyska said. "Florida Gulf Coast University and University of Florida had success [this past] fall and will be striving for top performances."     

Striving for top performances will be the five "top dogs" of Northern Illinois.  The five starters are comprised of senior Lisa Bailey (Decatur, Ill.), juniors Abbie Many (Mount Prospect, Ill.) and Anne Senn (Mount Prospect, Ill.), sophomore Nicci Schultz (Somonauk, Ill.) and freshman Kim Hunley (Aurora, Ill.). 

--NIU--