Montana
Wyoming Cowgirl Classic
Griz fire closing 303 at Cowgirl Classic
4/7/2015 12:00:00 AM | Golf
Results 
With sophomore Barbora Bakova back in the fold, the Montana women's golf team shot a final-round 303 Tuesday to close out the Wyoming Cowgirl Classic tied for 14th.
Bakova, who has the team's best scoring average, missed Monday's two rounds with strep throat. At less than full health, she fired a 76 on Tuesday, and her return sparked Montana to card four scoring rounds of 77 or better.
"It was good to have her back. We're a team, and we go out on the course as a team. When you're one man short, it's a different feeling. They all depend on each other," said coach Joni Stephens.
Sophomore Alexa Schendelman (72-76-74--222) shot a 2-over 74 on Tuesday to finish in a tie for 13th place, the same as senior Tara Green (71-75-76--222), who matched Bakova's 76 for the final round.
Sophomore Amanda Kahn (80-75-77--232) closed with a 77, giving the Grizzlies nine rounds at the tournament played at 77 or better.
It was a good round Tuesday that could have been even better. Bakova gave up two shots over her final two holes. Green went from 1-under to 4-over on her last six holes, and Kahn had a late double-bogey on a par 5.
"We gave up a few strokes coming in that we really shouldn't have, but it was a very good day of golf," said Stephens. "We've got a few things to work on as we head into conference, but this tournament showed us a lot, both where we are right now and what we're capable of."
Montana tied for 14th overall with UTEP, and the Grizzlies finished fifth among the 10 Big Sky Conference teams competing. But those top five teams -- Idaho, Montana State, Northern Arizona, Sacramento State and Montana -- were separated by just eight shots.
Eastern Washington, defending Big Sky champion Portland State, Northern Colorado and Southern Utah were not far behind. Just 21 strokes separated Idaho, which finished 10th, and Southern Utah, which was 19th.
The league's 12 teams will convene at the Ocotillo Golf Resort at Chandler, Ariz., in less than two weeks for the Big Sky championship.
"There was some good play out of a number of conference teams this week. We're all getting where we need to be coming into conference. It's going to be a good contest," said Stephens.
"We're right there. We're close. I saw a lot of things out of my girls this week that I was really proud of. I think we're almost ready."
Nevada (294-300-294--888) won the tournament by seven strokes over Washington State (296-303-296--895). Boise State's Genevieve Ling (72-73-71--216) earned medalist honors after playing her three rounds at the Ak-Chin Southern Dunes Golf Club at even par.
Players Mentioned
