The Gophers women’s golf team opened its spring season in strong fashion, capturing the team title at the Midwest Classic in Dallas over the weekend. Minnesota won the 13-team tournament, which included seven Big Ten schools, with a score of 627.
Senior Michelle Ballou placed second with a 36-hole total of 152, two shots behind champion Suzanne Walker of Illinois State, who finished with a 150. Senior Melanie Lepp finished third with a score of 154.
Two other Gophers finished in the top 20. Donna Boom tied for 16th at 161, while Jenny Bruun tied for 20th at 163. Katie Bakken competed on an individual basis and placed in a tie for 24th at 164. Kristi Weichert rounded out the Minnesota contingent with a 31st place finish at 167.
ù The team will travel to Winter Springs, Fla., on Mar. 8 to compete in the Peggy Kirk Bell Invitational. Rollins College will host the tournament, which consists of 17 teams, including Minnesota, Indiana, Michigan State and Penn State from the Big Ten. The tournament will be played at the 6,031-yard, par-72 Windemere Country Club. Minnesota placed ninth in the invitational last year.