Paris Leads GSU at Jaguars Spring Invitational

CRETE, IL — The Governors State women's golf team conducted its home opener Saturday, hosting current and future CCAC opponents in Trinity Christian and IU Northwest in the third annual Jaguars Spring Invitational held at the Lincoln Oaks Golf Course.

Trinity Christian defended its team title with a 378 score. The Trolls finished eighth at last year's CCAC Championships. IU Northwest took second place with a 493 showing. The RedHawks are slated to become the CCAC's newest member in the fall. GSU did not score.

Trinity's Merina Miner shot a school-record round of 77 to win the individual title for the second-straight year. She finished 12 strokes ahead of teammate Ashley Martinez. IUNW's Alexis Vieck carded a 91 to finish on the podium. The top three golfers were awarded medalist honors.

Kendall Paris paced the Jaguars with a 99, placing fifth overall. She was joined on the soggy course by a pair of two-sport teammates making their golf debuts. Women's basketball player Rachel Distor shot a 126 to finish eighth and cross country runner Nikea Driver turned in a 155.

"It was great to see improvement from the start of the round to the end," said GSU Assistant Coach Scott Hogan. "We want to keep getting better and better and I think our team did a good job of that today."

GSU is off until April 16 when it travels to the Elmhurst Bluejay Spring Invitational.