As part of a week-long trip, the Iowa State women’s golf team traveled to Columbia, Missouri, for the Big 12 Golf Preview Monday and Tuesday.

Senior Fiona Watson led the ISU team to a ninth-place finish. The Cyclones had a 54-hole total of 963, two shots behind eighth-place Kansas. Oklahoma State won the team title with a total of 921.

“Overall, we were disappointed,” Coach Julie Manning said.

“We wanted to finish in the top half, and if we would’ve even shot a 320 on the last day we could’ve done that. We really only had one good round,” she said.

The Cyclones started out with a first-round score of 323, which placed them second to last, a hole out of which they were never able to dig. They did bounce back, shooting a second-round 306 that moved them up to eighth after the first day.

“When you come out and have a bad first round, you kind of take yourself out of contention,” Manning said. “We were paired with some good teams from the south and I think the girls were intimidated. When they had a chance to golf with them for a couple of rounds, they realized that they could golf with them. That is probably why we golfed so much better the second round.”

Watson tied for 14th in a field of 58 golfers with rounds of 78-76-81 for 235. It was the third time in four meets she had led the team.

“She is good but doesn’t believe that she’s good,” Manning said. “She tries to find a way to raise her scores. She has the swing to compete with the best, she just has to do it.”

The Cyclones blew up on the final day. They shot a 334, with the pin placements in very difficult positions. Only six golfers broke 80, which made it a frustrating day for all.

Sara Linneman tied for 25th with a score of 239 and senior Cathy Matthews tied for 33rd with a total of 243. Noel Jacobusse and Cathy Ennis finished 48th and 54th respectively.

“It was difficult because our four and five golfers weren’t competitive,” Manning said. “That is when the other teams will pass you right by.

The team is currently in Bayonet Point, Florida, preparing for the Beacon Woods/USF Invitational.

“The team is glad to still be away from campus,” Manning said. “It gives us a chance to redeem ourselves.

Of the 12 teams participating, Indiana looks to be the favorite in the Florida tournament. They are also the top team in the Midwest region, which they share with ISU.

“The team is shooting well and seems pretty relaxed,” Manning said. “It would be great to perform well down here and get ready for spring.”