May 14, 2004

NCAA II National Championship Live Scoring

LONGWOOD, Fla. -

Despite the third round being its best of the tournament, the Western Washington University women's golf team remained tied for fifth going into Saturday's final round at the eight-team NCAA Division II National Championships being played at The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes.

The Vikings entered Friday's round tied with Grand Valley State MI, and finished the day still in fifth with the Lakers. Both teams shot 313 on the par 72, 5,994-yard course, their best rounds of the tournament, for 54-hole totals of 957.

"It's going to be a great finish tomorrow," said Western coach Dean Russell. "We played outstanding today. The third day is one that you want to move up a little bit, and while we didn't, some people did come back to us."

"We got though the trouble holes really well, and we made up some shots."

The Vikings are seven shots behind fourth-place Ferris State MI, and 11 out of second.

Defending national champion and No.1-rated Rollins FL continues to dominate the tournament, increasing its lead to 44 shots with a third-round 296, the best by any team over the first three days, for a 902 total.

Tied for second at 946 are Florida Southern (311) and Northeastern State OK (311).

Northeastern State was the West Regional champion, with Western second, and Florida Southern has placed among the top two nationally in each of the last five years, winning three straight national titles from 2000 to 2002

Minnesota State-Mankato is seventh at 971 (316), and St. Cloud State MN is eighth at 979 (331).

Western was led by Kelly White (Sr., Monroe), who shot a 4-over par 76 and is tied for 13th place at 233. White finished 10th at nationals last year.

The Vikings' Katja Trygg (So., Bainbridge Island) and Sarah Cooper (Sr., Marysville/Archbishop Murphy) each shot 77. Trygg is tied for 15th at 235, and Cooper is tied for 23rd at 240.

"I'm really pleased with how Kelly (White) came back today after a tough finish yesterday," Russell said. "She will be very tough to beat tomorrow. Katja (Trygg) continues to play steady and consistent. Both of them have a chance at the top 10 with a good round tomorrow."

Rounding out Western's scores were Katie Bender (Fr., Tacoma/Bellarmine Prep) 83 and Candice Wagner (Jr., Milton/Fife) 84. Wagner is tied for 39th at 250, and Bender is tied for 41st at 251.

"To get three players in the 70s was good for us," said Russell. "To challenge tomorrow, we need to get four scores in the 70s. I think that it will take a 310 to place fourth or better."

Rollins' Mariana De Biase increased her individual lead from three to seven shots by shooting 74 for a 54-hole total of 220. Tied for second at 227 are Florida Southern's Pamela Feggans (74) and Rollins' Freddie Seeholzer (74).

Another Rollins player, defending national medalist Charlotte Campbell (73), is in a four-way tie for fourth at 229.

"We've improved each day," Russell said. "We're looking forward to our opportunity tomorrow to accomplish our goal of a top four finish. We going to give it everything we've got."

The final round begins at 8 a.m. PDT.