INDIANAPOLIS, IN --- The Xavier women's golf team posted another strong performance at the Lady Bulldog/Lady Jaguar Invitational hosted by Butler University. XU came in third place out of nine teams with a team score of 683. Xavier was just four strokes off the pace of second place finisher Western Kentucky. Butler, the host team, won the tourney with a 670.

Leading the way for the Musketeers was senior Melissa Beck (Cincinnati, OH) who shot a 163 (80-83). The total was good for a third place tie overall in the invitational. For Beck, it was her highest finish of the year and the third consecutive tournament in which she finished tops among Xavier golfers. Head Coach Tony Kountz spoke highly of his star. " Melissa Beck made good decisions for two days, and knew where the ball was going. We count on her for a solid performance, and once again she came through," he said.

Also impressive for XU was senior tri-captain Paula Greening (Northfield, IL). Greening, who shot a 77 in round one, was tied for the lead after the first day of competition. Greening ended up tied for fifth overall with a 164 (77-87), her highest placement of the season.

Other good performances from Xavier golfers included freshman Jill Stein (Sussex, WI) who posted a 168 (82-86), tying her for the ninth spot. It was Stein's best finish of her young collegiate career. Junior Kim Farrell (Rockford, IL) carded a 176 (86-90) and tied for 21st in the field of 60.

It was the first time this season that Kountz has decided to travel with all 12 players on the team. All but one of the golfers participated as XU entered two teams and one individual. Kountz was happy with his team's showing. " Overall I was pleased with everyone's effort, and determination to fight through the tough conditions on such an unforgiving course," he said. "Every team shot big numbers, so you sometimes have to except the way the course plays and not get caught up in your score. We could have done better, but it wasn't from lack of effort," said Kountz.

The Lady Musketeers will compete again April 13 -14 at the Illinois Spring Invitational in Urbana-Champaign, IL.