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Women’s golf stands at fifth in Cougar Classic

September 18, 2012
Allie Parthie

Allie Parthie

The Northern Illinois University women’s golf team is in fifth place after shooting a 320 at Harborside International Golf Center in the opening round of the Cougar Classic Monday.

Northern Illinois is 11 shots behind leader IUPUI (309) and five shots out of second place, which is held by Indiana State (315). Cleveland State (316) is third, while host Chicago State (318) is in fourth.

Leading the way for the Huskies is senior Allie Parthie (Marinette, Wis./Marinette), who is tied for fourth. Parthie shot a first round 75 and trails leaders Jordan Woods and Olivia Kuss of IUPUI by two strokes. Jenny Niemiec (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles East) turned in her best round of the fall with a first round 77 and is one of four golfers tied for 13th.

“After the start she had, Jenny definitely bounced back,” said NIU head coach Kim Kester. “She started out with a triple bogey, but eagled 18, which was her 12th hole. She put in a lot of extra time last week and it showed which is good to see.”

Sophomore Taylor Ellett (Hampshire, Ill./Hampshire) carded an 83 in her first round of play and is tied for 44th, while Casey LaBarbera (Marinette, Wis./Marinette) is tied for 60th after posting an 85. Connie Ellett (Hampshire, Ill./Hampshire) is in 81st after carding a 91 to round out the Huskie competitors.

“We led the field in par five scoring and in par three scoring. It shows we can compete, we just need to work on the par fours,” Kester said. “I think we can move up. There’s five shots from second place, that’s one shot person. I know all these girls can think of three shots per individual that they can change. We’ve just got to come out and battle.”

For more information on NIU women’s golf and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.