For the first time in five years, the ISU women’s golf team served as host to the Big 12 Championships, which were at the newly-established Harvester Golf Club in Rhodes, Iowa. After adverse conditions in the first round, the weather improved and scores declined.

After the first two rounds, Missouri held on to the top spot in the team standings. However, the Tigers faded on the final day of competition and Oklahoma State jumped at the chance, winning the team title with a team score of 925.

“We showed some perseverance and our kids made the right decisions,” said Oklahoma State head coach Amy Weeks. “You have to play well to win a tournament like this.”

Texas finished in the runner-up position, shooting two of the three best rounds in the tournament. The Longhorns ended six strokes back of the Cowgirls. Baylor came in a distant third with a total of 947 and Missouri dropped to fourth at 949. The Cyclones finished the tournament in 10th position with a final team score of 976.

The race for the individual title came down to a three-person playoff. The extra session didn’t last long as Oklahoma State’s Maria Boden sank a 20-foot putt for birdie on the first playoff hole to defeat Amelia Moses of Missouri and Lisa Meldrum from Oklahoma.

Senior Noel Jacobusse was the top shooter for Iowa State, completing her tournament at 239, which was good enough for a share of 19th place. Next in line was freshman Lisa Meshke, who played despite recurring back problems. She finished with a three-round total of 245.

Sophomore Laura Wells turned in a score of 247 while senior Cathy Ennis ended at 253. Sophomore Leanne Owens led the team after round one, but a high score in the second round pushed her back in the pack before she finished at 256.

ISU head coach Julie Manning described the experience as an up-and-down one for her players.

“I really thought that we had some streaks of brilliance; then we would stub our toe and post some big numbers,” she said. “We need to eliminate those mistakes in order to elevate our program to a level like Oklahoma State.”

By winning the conference title, the Cowgirls automatically advance to the NCAA Central Regionals early next month.