IU Women's Golf Falls to Wisconsin, 10-8

Playing an exhibition match to open the spring season, the Indiana University women's golf team fell 10-8 to Wisconsin in match play at the Westbrook Village Golf Club in Phoenix, Ariz.

The teams played a Nassau format, with a point awarded for the front nine, back nine and overall score. Sophomore Anita Gahir led the Hoosiers with three points, posting the low round among both teams with a 71. Gahir was also the only player to earn the three point maximum.

"Overall I thought we played well," said head coach Clint Wallman. "We worked on several things this winter and I saw great improvement in those areas today, especially with our chipping and the general look of our putting."

In the second spot, senior Lauren Harling tallied a half point, posting a 76, while sophomore Laura Nochta totaled two points with her round of 76. Sophomore Kellye Belcher finished with a half a point, while Amber Lindgren put up a score of 78, and Elaine Harris finished with a 77.

Taking advantage of the opportunity to hit the links in warmer weather, the two teams played a practice round on Saturday. Lindgren had the highlight of the day with a hole-in-one.

Indiana's first real test of the spring will come Feb. 18-19 as it travels to Parrish, Fla. for the Central District Invitational. Ten of the 15 schools competing are in Golfweek's top 50, including No. 15 Kent State, No. 20 Notre Dame, No. 21 Michigan State and No. 25 Texas A&M. The Hoosiers are No. 46 in the ranking which was last released at the end of the fall season.