Weekly Release #10
4/9/2002 12:00:00 AM | Women's Golf
Upcoming Schedule
Sat-Sun., April 13-14 -- at Hawkeye Invitational (Iowa City, Iowa)
Fri-Sun., April 26-28 -- at Big Ten Championships (Urbana, Ill.)
Next on the Tee: Hawkeye Invitational
The University of Michigan women's golf team will continue its Big Ten road swing as the Wolverines close out the regular season Saturday and Sunday (April 13-14) at the Hawkeye Invitational at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City, Iowa. The Maize and Blue will not only be looking to wins its sixth tournament of the season, but also to defend its 2001 Hawkeye Invitational team title. In addition, Kim Benedict (Rochester Hills, Mich./Rochester Adams HS) will look to repeat as the individual medalist after winning that honor last year on the second hole of a playoff. The 54-hole tournament will feature 10 teams playing 36 holes on Saturday and a final 18 on Sunday. Finkbine Golf Course will be set up for a par of 73 and 6,000 yards.
Web Sites: Iowa Women's Golf | Finkbine Golf Course
Hawkeye Invitational Teams
There will be a 10-team field participating in the Hawkeye Invitational. The list of participants includes: Arkansas-Little Rock, Eastern Michigan, Eastern Washington, Indiana, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan, Northern Iowa and Wisconsin.
Hawkeye Invitational Schedule
The Hawkeye Invitational will consist of 54 holes, with 36 holes Saturday and a final 18 Sunday.
| Friday, April 12 | Practice Round | Tee times |
| Saturday, April 13 | First Round | 8:30 a.m. CDT (shotgun start) |
| | Second Round | 12:30 p.m. CDT (shotgun start) |
| Sunday, April 14 | Final Round | 8:30 a.m. CDT (shotgun start) |
Hawkeye Invitational Scoring Format
Scoring for the Hawkeye Invitational will be five players, count the low four scores each round.
The Michigan Lineup at the Hawkeye Invitational
The Wolverines will carry six players to the Hawkeye Invitational. Junior Kim Benedict and senior LeAnna Wicks (Brighton, Mich./Brighton HS) head up the Michigan team. Freshman Laura Olin (Eden Prairie, Minn./Eden Prairie HS) and seniors Misia Lemanski (Grosse Ile, Mich./Grosse Ile HS), Cortney Reno (Grosse Ile, Mich./Grosse Ile HS) and Bess Bowers (Bloomington, Ind./North HS) fill out the rest of the squad, with one member being determined as an individual player in Iowa City.
Last Year at the Hawkeye: Benedict, U-M Earn Top Honors
With a commanding performance, the Wolverines won their third tournament of the year and Kim Benedict earned her first collegiate medalist performance in a four-player playoff at the Hawkeye Invitational (April 14-15) at Finkbine Golf Course in Iowa City, Iowa. The Wolverines (299-302-301/902) dominated from start to finish, winning by 17 strokes.
Benedict (73-74-76), teammate LeAnna Wicks (76-74-73), EMU's Kelly Pickett (72-71-80) and Iowa State's Noel Jacobusse (76-72-75) all finished with 223 tournament totals, forcing a four-player playoff. On the first hole, Benedict and Jacobusse converted pars, while Wicks and Pickett were eliminated with bogeys. Benedict then converted a long up-and-down to par the second hole while Jacobusse missed her par putt to seal the win for Benedict.
In addition to Benedict's title and Wicks' career-best second-place finish, Bess Bowers was fifth (74-74-77/225), Cortney Reno tied for 16th (76-80-75/231) and Misia Lemanski tied for 40th (79-81-82/242). Competing as an individual, Sarah Rector (2001) tied for 43rd (85-80-79/244).
Last Time on the Links: Wolverines Win Indiana Invitational
Sitting in third place after the first day of the Indiana Invitational (April 6-7), the Wolverines charged back in the final round, shooting a five-over-par 301 to overcome a 10-stroke deficit and win their fifth tournament of the season at the IU Golf Course in Bloomington, Ind. The Wolverines ended up with a 919 total (312-306-301) to finish two shots ahead of host Indiana, the first-day leader. Kim Benedict capped off the come-from-behind victory with her second runner-up finish of the year.
The Wolverines tallied a first round team total of 312, but U-M dropped six strokes in the second round with a 306 team total to put the Maize and Blue third overall after the first day of play. In the final round, Michigan was paired with first-day leader Indiana and second-place Illinois, and that proved to be all the motivation the Wolverines needed as they carded the lowest team round of the tournament (301) to win the tightly contested team title.
In addition to Benedict's runner-up finish (76-75-74/225), LeAnna Wicks tied for 10th (79-77-75/231), Bess Bowers tied for 15th (78-78-77/233), Misia Lemanski tied for 20th (79-76-80/235), Cortney Reno tied for 23rd (83-79-75/237) and Laura Olin tied for 26th (80-78-81/239).
More From the Indiana Invitational ... The Tidbits
Michigan defeated a total of six Big Ten schools, including No. 13 Michigan State, No. 37 Indiana and No. 50 Wisconsin ... Kim Benedict led all tournament players with 12 birdies and Cortney Reno ranked third with eight ... Michigan led the tournament in total birdies with 42 and led the par-4 scoring at +52. The Wolverines were second on par-3 scoring (+10), third in par-5 scoring (+6) and fourth in total pars (187).
Add Another Shelf to the Showcase
With the victory at the Indiana Invitational (April 6-7), Michigan has added five team championship trophies to an already crowded showcase this season. Dating back to the start of the 2001 spring season, the team victory in Indiana gives the Maize and Blue eight team titles in its last 15 regular-season tournaments; eight in the last 17 total tournaments including postseason events. The Wolverines have won 17 team titles since 1981, 12 of which have come under head coach Kathy Teichert's reign (1994-present).
Wolverines and the Trophy
| Date | Tournament Title | vs. Teams |
| April 6-7, 2002 | Indiana Invitational | 1st of 14 |
| Oct. 19-21, 2001 | Stetson Hatter Fall Classic | 1st of 18 |
| Oct. 8-9, 2001 | Shootout at the Legends | 1st of 19 |
| Oct. 6-7, 2001 | Wolverine Invitational | 1st of 10 |
| Sept. 21-23, 2001 | Lady Northern Invitational | 1st of 14 |
| April 14-15, 2001 | Hawkeye Invitational | 1st of 12 |
| March 17-18, 2001 | Stetson Hatter Spring Fling | 1st of 16 |
| Feb. 12-13, 2001 | Lady Aztec Invitational | Tie-1st of 16 |
| April 13-14, 1996 | Purdue Invitational | 1st of 12 |
| March 24-25, 1996 | Saluki Invitational | 1st of 14 |
| Oct. 6-8, 1995 | Lady Kat Invitational | 1st of 17 |
| May 1-2, 1994 | Lady Eagle Invitational | 1st of 10 |
| Sept. 7-8, 1991 | Wolverine Invitational | 1st of 9 |
| Oct. 20, 1991 | Bowling Green Fall Invitational | 1st of 5 |
| Sept. 8-9, 1991 | Wolverine Invitational | 1st of 6 |
| Fall of 1986 | Notre Dame Invitational | 1st of 6 |
| Fall of 1981 | Wolverine Invitational | 1st of 4 |
Staying Atop the Leaderboard
For the first time in school history the Wolverines have won five tournament team titles in a single season. The Wolverines had a perfect fall season, winning Stetson's Hatter Fall Classic (Oct. 19-21), the Shootout at the Legends (Oct. 8-9), the Wolverine Invitational (Oct. 7-9) and the Lady Northern (Sept. 21-23). They have now added the fifth title at the Indiana Invitational (April 6-7). The five titles this season reset the school record for most tournament titles in a season. The Wolverines surpassed the mark of three tournament titles in a season, accomplished last season (2000-01) and during the 1995-96 season.
Five for Nine
With nine tournaments under their belts, the Wolverines have not finished lower than fourth in the 2001-02 season. Michigan has won five of nine tournaments in which they competed and has posted a runner-up finish and three fourth-place efforts this year.
Repeating Roster
The Wolverines used virtually the same lineup for the ninth consecutive tournament at the Indiana Invitational (April 6-7) -- Kim Benedict, LeAnna Wicks, Cortney Reno, Misia Lemanski and Laura Olin. The only tweak in Bloomington lineup was the addition of a sixth member to the tournament lineup, which was Bess Bowers. The Wolverines are averaging 303.46 strokes per round as a team. In addition all six are averaging below 79 strokes per round individually -- Benedict leads the team with a 75.41 stroke average. Lemanski is second (76.41), followed by Olin (77.29) Wicks (77.41), Reno (77.41) and Bowers (78.92).
Miss Consistency
With her second runner-up finish this season at the Indiana Invitational (April 6-7), Kim Benedict has finished in the top 10 in eight of nine tournaments this year. For her career, she has finished in the top 10 in 17 of 30 regular-season tournaments. Benedict has been the top finishing Wolverine in six of the nine tournaments this season. For third straight season, Benedict leads the team in scoring averaging at 75.41, two strokes better than her school-record average of 77.41 set last season.
Inside the Swing Plane
The Wolverines are averaging more than six strokes better as a team compared to last season's record-breaking season. The Wolverines are averaging 303.46 per team round compared to last season's 309.56. The Wolverines have six players scoring below 80.00 per round. The previous best was four players last season. The Maize and Blue is 123-10 overall, 26-4 against Big Ten opponents and 63-5 against the Central Region this season.
This is Big Ten Country
The Wolverines spend the next month playing in Big Ten country. The Wolverines went to Bloomington, Ind., for the Indiana Invitational (April 6-7) and came from behind to win the team title. Now the Maize and Blue will look to defend its 2001 Hawkeye Invitational title in Iowa City, Iowa (April 13-14) before heading to Urbana, Ill., for the 2002 Big Ten Championships at Stonecreek Golf Club (April 26-28). If Michigan qualifies for the NCAA Regional, it could possibly play again in Big Ten country at the East Regional, hosted by Michigan State at Forest Akers West (May 9-11). The West Regional will be hosted by Stanford at Stanford Golf Course in Palo Alto, Calif., and the South Regional hosted by LSU at the University Club in Baton Rouge, La.
Lemanski Going Out in Style
In her final season, Misia Lemanski has had only three rounds this season above 79. She is second on the team with a 76.41 per round average, which is a nearly three and a half strokes better than her previous best average (80.00) set last season. Lemanski tallied her first career medalist honors at the Wolverine Invitational (Oct. 6-7) and fired a season-low 70 in second round of the Shootout at the Legends (Oct. 8-9).
Returning Home
Senior Bess Bowers returned to her hometown of Bloomington, Ind., and helped the Wolverines to their fifth tournament title this season. Bowers tied for 15th after carding rounds of 78-78-77 for a season-best 233 total. The tournament was just her fifth of the season. She is averaging 78.92 strokes per round in her final season.
Big Ten Pride
According to the last Golfweek/Sagarin rankings (April 9) the Wolverines are ranked No. 28 nationally. In addition, the Maize and Blue sits No. 7 in the Central Region rankings. The Big Ten has made a strong push for one of the strongest competitive conferences in the country, with all 11 schools ranked in the top 70.
Big Ten Rankings (4/9/02)
Ohio State No. 4 Michigan State No. 13 Purdue No. 20 MICHIGAN No. 28 Northwestern No. 31 Indiana No. 37 Wisconsin No. 50 Minnesota No. 54 Penn State No. 56 Illinois No. 57 Iowa No. 67
Central District Rankings (4/9/02)
1. Tulsa 2. Texas 3. Ohio State 4. Oklahoma State 5. Michigan State 6. Purdue 7. MICHIGAN 8. Oklahoma 9. Texas Christian 10. Northwestern
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS AND INSIDE THE NUMBERS
Look at the Tallies
The Wolverines' first-round team total of 290 at the Shootout at the Legends (Oct. 8-9) tied their season-best performance and matched the second best team score in school history, which was the same total in the first round of the Lady Northern (Sept. 21-23).
Lowering the Barrier
| Total | Tournament | Dates |
| 287 | 3rd round, Shootout at the Legends | Oct. 10, 2000 |
| 290 | 1st round, Shootout at the Legends | Oct. 8, 2001 |
| 290 | 1st round, Lady Northern | Sept. 21, 2001 |
| 291 | 2nd round, Lady Northern | Sept. 22, 2001 |
| 292 | 3rd round, Lady Northern | Sept. 23, 2001 |
| 293 | 3rd round, Shootout at the Legends | Oct. 9, 2001 |
| 294 | 2nd round, Shootout at the Legends | Oct. 8, 2001 |
| 298 | 1st round, Hatter Spring Fling | March 16, 2002 |
| 299 | 3rd round, Central District Classic | Feb. 26, 2002 |
| 299 | 1st round, Hawkeye Invitational | April 14, 2001 |
| 299 | 1st round, Stetson Hatter Spring Fling | March 17, 2001 |
| 299 | 2nd round, Shootout at the Legends | Oct. 9, 2000 |
| 299 | 4th round, 2000 Big Ten Championships | April 30, 2000 |
| 299 | 1st round, Hawkeye Invitational | April 15, 2000 |
Going Low
Michigan's 877 total at the Shootout at the Legends (Oct. 8-9) was the second best team total in school history. It also marked the third time the Wolverines have broken the 900-stroke barrier for a 54-hole tournament. To kick off the 2001-02 season, the Wolverines' 873 total at the Lady Northern (Sept. 21-23) destroyed Michigan's then-best three-round tournament total mark by 16 strokes.
Lowering the Standards
| Total | Tournament | Dates |
| 873 | Lady Northern | Sept. 21-23, 2001 |
| 877 | Shootout at the Legends | Oct. 8-9, 2001 |
| 889 | Shootout at the Legends | Oct. 9-10, 2000 |
| 902 | Hawkeye Invitational | April 14-15, 2001 |
| 903 | Central District Classic | Feb. 25-26, 2002 |
| 904 | Lady Kat Invitational | Oct. 6-8, 1995 |
Benedict Gets Second Crown
Kim Benedict won her second career medalist honor at the Shootout at the Legends (Oct. 8-9), sharing the honor with Kent State's Martina Gillen. She earned her first title at the Hawkeye Invitational (April 14-15, 2001) by winning a playoff on the second hole. Benedict lost in playoffs for medalist honors at the Mary Fossum Invitational (Sept. 23-24, 2000) and at the Hatter Spring Fling (March 17-18, 2001).
Chalk Up Another Record
Kim Benedict's first-round total of 68 at the Shootout at the Legends (Oct. 8-9) was not only a career best, it was the first time she has gone below the 70-stroke barrier for a single round in her Michigan career. Her previous best was a 70 in the first round of the Mary Fossum Invitational (Sept. 23, 2000). In fact, Benedict's round of 68 is the lowest single-round total in Michigan history, surpassing teammate Cortney Reno's 69 fired in the third round of the 2000 Shootout at the Legends (Oct. 9-10, 2000).
Lemanski Gets First Title
Misia Lemanski's individual victory at the Wolverine Invitational (Oct. 6-7) was the first in her collegiate career. Prior to raising the trophy, her previous best finish was a tie for fourth at the Lady Northern (Sept. 21-23) in this season's first tournament. In addition, her 36-hole total of 152 is a career best. Her previous best was a 159 tallied last year at the Hatter Spring Fling (March 17-18, 2001).
Contact: Tom Wywrot (734) 763-4423
Players Mentioned
