The Missouri State women's golf team finished tied for third in a very competitive field at the Baylor Spring Invitational. The Bears shot 313-303-301--917 to finish 53 over par.
The Bears were led by junior Kelsey Welber who is from Plano, Texas, two hours from Baylor's home course at the Twin Rivers Golf Club. Welber's rounds of 76-75-69--220 tied her for second in the tournament. Welber's score was better than Oklahoma's Chirapat Jao-Javanil, who is the 65th ranked golfer in the NCAA. Welber's third round score of 69 was the low round for the tournament and she had five birdies during the final round.
Rounding out the scoring for the Bears was freshman Rikke Falsner (79-75-75--225, T18th), junior Catherine Dolan (79-75-78--232, T26th), sophomore Emma Clegg (79-78-79--236, T42nd) and junior Emily Potts (82-84-81--247, T75th).
Texas Tech's Alex Gibson shot rounds of 78-70-71--219 to beat Welber by a stroke and earn medalist honors. Top team honors went to Texas Tech, who shot 309-295-295--899, or 35 over par.
Next up for the Bears is the State Farm MVC Championship. Last season, the Bears placed fifth in the field of 10, but this season, Missouri State is the topped ranked Valley team according to GolfStat.com. However, defending champion Illinois State is the host school this year. Competition will begin with a shotgun start at 8:00 a.m. on Apr. 22-23.
