COON RAPIDS, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University women's golf team, led by senior
Katelyn Rizzi (Austin, Minn.) — who has been posting some of the program's lowest rounds over the last two weeks — take part in the three-day, 54-hole Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Championships beginning Friday afternoon at Bunker Hills Golf Course.
Gustavus ended St. Thomas' seven-year reign as the conference's team champion a year ago, and the Gusties — ranked No. 3 in the nation — enter the weekend as the favorite once again. Gustavus leads the conference in stroke average at 318.4, while Saint Benedict, St. Olaf, Carleton, and St. Thomas all have played well thus far in 2009 and should be compete for top spots in the conference.
Individually, two-time MIAC medalist Laura Heck of St. Thomas will miss the championships due to a back injury. Three of the top competitors to take over the individual crown will hail from Gustavus. Senior Kali Griggs, junior Katie Schenfeld, and sophomore Taylor Drenttel are all returning all-conference performers and each have been named a MIAC Athlete of the Week this fall.
St. Thomas senior Amy Anderson has twice been named MIAC Athlete of the Week this year and should help carry the Tommies in Heck's absence. Laura Knutson, a junior from Carleton, tied for second at last year's championships and will look for a repeat performance in 2009.
Complete Championships Preview and Team-by-Team Capsules
