The Ferris State University women’s golf team teed off at the Northern Kentucky University Invitational this weekend as they kicked off the 2011 season.
FSU placed seventh in a field of 23 teams. With a two-round 644 team score, the squad finished 68 strokes over par.
The Bulldogs travelled to Perry Park, Kentucky, to participate in the two-day tournament, which was adjusted due to the forecast of inclement weather. Play was conducted on the par 72, 5,819 yard Perry Park Golf course.
Depauw University and Indianapolis University tied for first place honors as they both recorded a 624 (+48) team stroke total.
Junior Erin Fuchik led FSU with a twelfth place finish and 157 score. Freshman Jacqueline DeBoer earned eighteenth place with a 159 stroke total. The number of individuals who participated in the event was 129.
According to fourth-year head coach Mike Mignano, the team was eager to start their season.
“We improved with every tournament in the fall and hope to build upon that moment gained this spring,” he said.
“The team has been working hard indoors this winter so we now get an opportunity to see just how much time and effort spent has helped us.”
Last fall, the Bulldogs finished three of their five tournaments as fifth place or higher. The team captured first place at the Lake Superior State University Invitational in September with a two-round 642 team score.
At the 2010 NCAA Division II Super Regional One last May, FSU earned a seventh place finish after a three-round 969 team stroke total.
“Our region is a competitive one as there’s about five or six teams competing for three NCAA Tournament spots,” Mignano said. “We’re certainly capable of earning a berth provided we play our best golf.”
FSU will return to action April 2 at the Ohio Dominican University Invitational in Pataskala, Ohio. n