Southern Illinois University
Northern Illinois Huskie Classic
Salukis claim 22nd Annual NIU Huskie Classic championship title
10/02/2006 | 12:00:00 | Women's Golf
Oct. 2, 2006
By Ryan Shaw
www.SIUSalukis.com
DEKALB, Ill. - Just one week after finishing in second place behind a top-25 team, the Salukis claimed the NIU Huskie Classic championship title with a one-stroke victory over host Northern Illinois.
Senior Josie Lowder claimed the individual title with her 145 score in the two-day tournament.
Lowder attributes her win to the closeness of the team, which bonded following the injuries of teammates Kelly Gerlach and Lauren May before last season.
"I'm excited with this year being my last year," Lowder said. "Kelly and Lauren coming back puts everything in perspective and we've never been closer as a team. I went out there with a lot of support and confidence and I've never felt better."
Not only did May and Gerlach lend emotional support to Lowder, they also recorded the second and third best scores for SIU, respectively.
May finished the tournament with a 154 overall, which tied her for 11th place overall. Gerlach finished tied for 20th with teammate Braidy Hood. Both Gerlach and Hood recorded a score of 159 over two days of play.
Christine Zoerlein finished tied for 29th with a 163.
The title is the first that the Salukis have claimed since March 28, 2005 when they won the Saluki Invitational.
"Obviously we're excited," head coach Diane Daugherty said. "NIU played well and had the home course advantage. We shot a 305, which is higher than we would like to be shooting, but a win is a win. The team was anchored by Josie and I am very proud of her and the team."
The Salukis will be back in action on Moday when they travel to the Shootout at the Legends in Indianapolis for a two-day tournament.
