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Golfers take fifth in season opener

The Florida greens were not kind to the Michigan women's golf team, which was seeing its first action of the spring, as the winter months impaired putting practice.

The Wolverines migrated to Boca Raton to open the spring season at Florida Atlantic's 36-hole Owl Preview Classic.

While Michigan notched a fifth-place finish out of 13 teams, the four teams that placed ahead of the Wolverines hailed from the Southern climates that make year-round golf possible.

Mississippi captured the event with a team score of 626, followed by the Miami and Florida International. Michigan placed just one point behind Arkansas-Little Rock with 654.

Sophomore Laura Tzakis felt that Michigan came out a little rusty from the weather-induced suspension of play.

"We all went into the tournament with a really positive attitude," Tzakis said. "But we hadn't played since October, and the short game is always the first to go over the winter."

The Wolverines were led by three freshmen, including top finisher Katy Loy. Loy shot an 83 Monday and a 78 Tuesday to secure 15th place overall.

Just behind Loy, Sharon Park chipped in consecutive 81s, good for a 16th place tie. Rounding out a successful freshman trio was Sarah Lindholm, who tied for 18th with rounds of 78 and 85.

Tzakis cited the impact that the newcomers have made on the team.

"The incredible contribution by the freshmen appears to be the driving force of our team effort," Tzakis said. "It's contributed to our enthusiasm."

Michigan's other competitors were juniors Shannon McDonald (87-83) and Wendy Westfall (86-84). Westfall tied for 32nd.

The format of the tournament was a four-count-five, with five competitors representing Michigan. The top four individual scores were then tabulated for the team score. Tzakis (87-87) competed as an individual.

Florida International's Laura Hunchack was the top finisher, firing consecutive rounds of 75 to hold off Mississippi's Lauren Mellen.

As the season progresses, Tzakis expects the Wolverines to regain top form.

"I think we all have the potential to make the season victorious," Tzakis said. "Coach (Kathy Teichert) is giving us the encouragement to do so."

Michigan will be in action again over spring break, March 4-5, at the Charleston Spring Invitational in South Carolina.