KENDALLVILLE, Indiana – Sophomore Angela Gauck (Greensburg, Indiana/Greensburg) earned her first NAIA Region VIII medal as the Marian College women’s golf team earned a runner-up finish at the 2008 NAIA Region VIII Tournament on Noble Hawk Golf Course in Kendallville, Indiana on Saturday.
The Knights carded a two-day total of 677 (338-339) behind only Bethel College’s 642 (328-314).
Gauck, who finished as the runner-up last season, earned medalist honors after playing even with defending champion Shanna Page during day one. The two each shot 75 on day one and it looked to be an exciting second round. Gauck carded a one-over-par 72 in round two and finished two shots ahead of Page, who shot a 74. Gauck also earned the lowest round of the tournament with her 72.
It was a complete team effort to earn the runner-up spot for the Knights. Not only did Gauck earn medalist honors, but each of the five Knights finished in the top 20, a feat not yet accomplished this season.
Sophomore Kristen Welker (Kokomo, Indiana/Western) shot a two-day total of 171 (85-86) to earn an eighth-place finish. Freshman Lauren Nickoson (Cleves, Ohio/Taylor HS) finished in 12th place with a 179 (88-91) while sophomore Karli Shepherd (Carmel, Indiana/Carmel) finished in 13th place with a 180 (89-91). Freshman Cassie Freestone (Brownsburg, Indiana/Brownsburg) rounded out the top 20 with a 189 (97-92).
The Knights are currently ranked No. 25 in the nation and could receive an at-large berth in the 2008 NAIA National Championship Tournament at Lake San Marcos Country Club in San Diego, California on May 20-23.