Indiana University Athletics
Dennison Trails by One at CDI
2/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
PARRISH, Fla. - For the Indiana University women's golf team, a trip to Florida would be one to look forward to during a cold Bloomington wintry-weather spell. What with snow covering much of the campus for the past two months, one would think that the 19th-ranked Hoosiers would enjoy the sunny, 72-degree weather Monday in Parrish, Fla.
Unfortunately, the only sun shining for the Hoosiers after Monday, is merely on the hopes of Karen Dennison winning her third consecutive medalist title and her fourth in five events.
After a successful fall season, where the Hoosiers won two of their four tournaments, Indiana struggled in its spring season opener, Central District Invitational, continuing to fall off the pace throughout the day on Monday. IU finished the first 36-of-54 holes at 635 (318-317), which is just 13th best out of the 15 teams competing.
But let's face it. Walking onto River Wilderness Country Club Monday was the first time the Hoosiers have seen grass in quite sometime.
You can hit a million golf balls indoors. You can practice until your hands blister. But you can only do so much.
"We're disappointed with how we played today, but Karen stayed strong throughout the day, and that was good to see," said Indiana head coach Sam Carmichael. "It's our first time outdoors in a long time. You never know what to expect in your first tournament."
Dennison, Indiana's No.1 golfer, led the Hoosiers over day one with rounds of 74 and 76. The Madison, Ind., native and No. 6 golfer in the nation by Golfweek/Sagarin, has lost to just one golfer in four tournaments. She enters Tuesday's final round tied for fourth place at 150, just one stroke back of a three-way tie for first.
Dennison maintained balance during the first round of her day, carding 1-over 37s, including a birdie and two bogeys on each nine. In her second round, Dennison had a very dismal start, as she began her first four holes at 5-over par. The Hoosier junior displayed patience and good course management throughout the remainder of her second round though, playing 1-under-par golf to finish with a 76.
In just their second year playing in the CDI, the Hoosiers struggled to get out of the gates last year in the event as well. IU opened with a 319 first round, but backed it up with a 294, which proved to be the Hoosiers second lowest round in 2002. Indiana would eventually card a 315 in the final round to finish 10th in the 14-team field just one year ago.
Junior Ambry Bishop was second best for the Hoosiers Monday, carding a 160 (81-79) to finish tied for 40th. Danah Ford, is one stroke back of Bishop at 161 (80-81).
Throughout most of the day, senior Cara Stuckey and junior Mary Lidester struggled to find their games. Stuckey placed tied for 60th at 164 (83-81), while Lidester finished at 176 (89-86).
After the completion of day one, Baylor is the leader in the clubhouse with a 36-hole total of 613 (302-311). Ohio State's 618 (312-306) is second best along with Missouri (311-307-618), and Kansas State (306-312-618).
The Hoosiers will look to rebound in the solid field Tuesday, and Dennison will look for her fourth individual title in five events, as the final 18 holes are slated for an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start.
