Alison Miller

Central tied for third in Wisconsin

EAU CLAIRE, WIS.—In one of its strongest showings in recent years, the Central College women’s golf squad tied for third place at the Blugold Pre-D3 Championship Invitational Sunday.

Central freshman Sarah Paulson (Ottumwa) placed second individually with 78-84—162, four shots out of first.

The 11-team, 36-hole tourney included four nationally ranked teams. The host school, No. 10-ranked Wis.-Eau Claire, rallied to win the title at 345-328—673 while No. 2 Wis.-Stevens Point was next at 340-335—675. Central shot 349-360—709 and tied No. 16 Wis.-Whitewater, which was at 363-346—709. No. 24 Carleton College (Minn.) was fifth at 363-351—714.

Eva Downes (junior, Woodstock, Ill., Marion Catholic Central HS), third after the first round, closed in 12th at 84-91—175 while Abby Lukensmeyer (freshman, Hampton, Hampton-Dumont HS) tied for 13th at 88-88—176. Alison Miller (freshman, Davenport, North HS) shot 99-97—196 and Allison Crooks (sophomore, Moline, Ill.) had 99-100-199. Lindsey Ellenson (sophomore, Amana, Clear Creek-Amana HS) was an at-large entrant and shot 109-94—203.

The tourney wraps up Central’s abbreviated spring schedule but coach Jodee Schaben expects to get word Monday on a possible individual berth for Paulson in the NCAA Division III championships May 12-15 in Port St. Lucie, Fla.