Allie Parthie
The Northern Illinois University women’s golf team finished 12th at the 2013 Rio Verde Invitational hosted by Western Michigan.
NIU shot a two-day total of 618 (307-311), finishing ahead of fellow Mid-American Conference competitors Ohio (635) and Akron (637), which finished 16th and 17th respectively. Northern Arizona won the event with a 597 and UNA golfer Savana Bezdicek won the individual title with a 144 (71-73).
Jenny Niemiec (St. Charles, Ill./St. Charles East) and Allie Parthie (Marinette, Wis./Marinette) led the way for the Huskies finishing in 22nd after shooting a 152. Niemiec, who started the day in 35th, trimmed two strokes off her first round score shooting a career-low 75 in the final round, while Parthie carded a final round 78.
“She was consistent the entire day,” said NIU head coach Kim Kester of Niemiec’s play. “It was a slow and steady round for her. There wasn’t anything spectacular, but there wasn’t anything horrible either. She was hitting the ball well. She just needed a couple more putts to drop and she would’ve been under par.”
Taylor Ellett (Hampshire, Ill./Hampshire) finished in 66th after posting a 159 (79-80), ahead of her sister Connie Ellett (Hampshire, Ill./Hampshire) who finished in 70th place with a 160 (77-83). Casey LaBarbera (Marinette, Wis./Marinette) fired a career-low 78 in the final round to finish 78th with a 162.
The Huskies return to the course Thursday, March 14, when NIU travels to Las Vegas to compete in the Bucknell Women’s Golf Invite at Palute Golf Resort. Tee time is set for 9 a.m. Central Time.
For more information on NIU women’s golf and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
