Women's golf team sends 5 to Nationals

The Augustana Vikings women's golf team continued a successful season this past weekend with a victory in the NCAA Super Region 3 Championships in Lake City, Minn.

The Vikings, who won the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) tournament two weekends ago, continued their hot play, placing three golfers in the top 10, and scoring a three-day total of 972.

''The girls played really, really well,'' head coach Peggy Kirby said. ''It was a hard golf course, and they played at 100 percent. They stayed focused all three days.''

The women had not won a tournament all year, but, according to Kirby, have played to their potential these past two tournaments.

''It was a great day for Augie golf,'' junior Kate Tobin said. ''The team has played so well at the end of the season, and our goal of making the national tournament was accomplished.''

Individually, senior Kelly Lauer tied for third place, shooting a 79 on the final day to finish with 237. Freshman Emily Kvidera, after leading the tournament the first two days, faltered the final day, shooting an 87 and finishing at 239, tied for sixth place. The final golfer to finish in the top 10 was Tobin, who tied for ninth place with 242.

Freshman Jennifer Benoy placed 31st with a score of 256, while junior Kelli Lowry scored a 269 and tied for 37th place.

Western New Mexico finished with a team score of 979, while NSIC foe Minnesota State University placed third with a 984.

The team will now travel to Mesa, Ariz., for the national Tournament, which runs from May 12-15.

''We are hopeful for another strong showing from our squad in Arizona,'' Kirby said. ''You have to be proud that we made nationals. Being one of the top 12 teams in the country is a big deal, but we aren't done. There are a lot of great golfers who didn't get to make nationals, and all five of ours have to give it their best.''