Much like the climate they were playing in, the women's golf team started the season dry as a bone.
The Bobcats began their spring season by finishing 16th out of 18 teams this past weekend at the Rio Verde Invitational in Arizona.
Ohio struggled out of the gate, finishing the first round at 37-over par, good enough for only 17th, and 30 shots behind leaders Michigan. Senior Colleen Lienesch led the Bobcats on day one, carding four birdies on the first 12 holes en route to a 8-over par.
Alternatively, sophomore Megan Weaver's opening round score of 14-over par was hampered by four double bogies, which drove Weaver's score skyward.
Ohio improved slightly Saturday, shooting a 30-over par to move up to 15th. Weaver bounced back from her first round with two birdies on the way to a 6-over par. Junior Jordan Fesh also recorded a round of +6.
Michigan shot a +3 on the day to extend its lead to 15 shots over second place Arkansas-Little Rock. Wolverine senior Ashley Bauer set a tournament record by turning in her second consecutive round of -3.
The Bobcats dropped back to 16th after a disappointing final round of 43-over par yesterday, finishing with a total score of 110-over par. Senior Erin Cahill was the only Bobcat to avoid shooting in the double digits over par, finishing with a 75 (+4), a team best for the weekend.
Cahill also led the Bobcats in total individual scoring, finishing in a five-way tie for 28th at 20-over-par 233.
Leading from start to finish, Michigan took the tournament with a final tally of 29-over-par 881. Eastern Michigan led the pack of seven Mid-American Conference schools, finishing 3rd with a 52-over-par 904.
The Bobcats won't be in action again until March 26, when they travel to Crystal River, Fla., to participate in the University of Cincinnati Spring Invitational.
2 Sports
Cameron Dunbar
Quick Stats
Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational
Rio Verde, Ariz.
Final Standings
1. Michigan: 291-287-303- 881
2. Minnesota 296-301-298- 895
3. Eastern Michigan 297-301-306-904
16. OHIO 321-314-327- 962
Bobcat Performances
Erin Cahill: 79-79-75- 233
Meryl Weaver: 78-81-83- 242
Megan Weaver: 85-77-81- 243
