The ISU women’s golf team did not end their regular season as well as they had hoped at this week’s Big 12 Championship tournament, placing ninth in the 12-team field.

Head coach Julie Manning said normally a ninth-place finish would be disappointing and agreed the team could have placed higher. She said she has a high respect for the talent and teams of the Big 12.

Seniors Sarah Gilbert and Laura Wells agreed the overall emotion expressed by the team after the tournament was a feeling of one of disappointment.

“We feel that we could have placed higher than we did,” Wells said. “Last year we finished in the top half in the conference, but this year the course and the conditions were tough on us.”

Individually, Louise Kenney had another outstanding performance finishing in a tie for 14th, which is the second-highest finish of Cyclone since the beginning of Big 12 tournament in 1997. Although Kenney’s goal was the top 10, Manning had nothing but positive things to say about Kenney’s performances throughout the season.

“Louise had a fantastic season and I feel that this is only the tip of the iceberg for her at ISU. Her goal at the Big 12 was top 10, which placed a little bit of pressure on her shoulders,” Manning said. “She played a great second round, even though she went in feeling a little off with her swing and mechanics, which may have had to do with the pressure.

“Overall, she’s a sensational sophomore and she gained a lot of respect from other coaches in the Big 12.”

Junior Leanne Owens also played well for the Cyclones finishing in a tie for 29th, while seniors Laura Wells and Sarah Gilbert finished 41st and 54th. Gilbert said it was an emotional meet because it was the last one for both her and Wells.

“The team has been pretty close these last two years,” Gilbert said. “We’ve traveled with the same girls for the past two seasons, so it was really hard.”

Wells said she did not intend to go out in this way but has no regrets for her career as a Cyclone. Wells, who is a native of Scotland, said the past four years in the United States and playing for Iowa State have been fantastic. Manning is also grateful for what the seniors have brought to the team.

“This team would have never had the opportunity to play so well without our seniors,” Manning said. “My hat goes off to them and I hope that they hold their heads high.”

The Cyclones find out Monday if they will be invited to the postseason regional meet, however it will be tough to get there, Wells said.

“We were really hoping to get to regionals this year, but we’re on the bubble. The top 18 teams get to go and then a committee compares the remaining teams to others in the region,” Wells said. “We’re 21st right now, but the last two tournaments didn’t go well for us, so we’re not sure that we will be going.”

Manning shared the same feelings as Wells. However, Manning said the power and prestige of the Big 12 might give them the push they need. Overall for the season, Manning was impressed with her team.

“In the past, we haven’t won a lot of tournaments, so winning three this season was a great accomplishment for us,” she said. “We just didn’t have a great finish.”

Manning said her returning players will be practicing a lot this summer and hopes that they come back with the motivation they had this season.

“It would be fantastic to get a phone call on Monday,” she said. “But these girls will come back next season ready to play and have the motivation to play even better than they did this season.”