CHESTERTON, Ind. - The Drake University women's golf team finished fifth at the 2019 Missouri Valley Conference Championship held at the Sand Creek Country Club. It is the highest finish at the MVC Championship for the program since 2011 when Drake placed fourth.

"First and foremost, I'm so proud of the team for their hard work this season," said Drake head coach Rachael Pruett. "This group has laid a solid foundation to continue building a competitive women's golf program." 

On Tuesday, the Bulldogs carded a final round 318 for a three-round total of 916 (+52) (301-297-318). Drake, which was the leader after two rounds, finished one stroke behind fourth-place Indiana State at 915 and just four behind runner-up Northern Iowa at 912. SIU was the overall team champion at 905.

"Of course we are disappointed to have dropped so many spots," Pruett added. "We hit a rough stretch and just didn't recover as well as we did yesterday. It was great to be in contention and we learned a lot about what it will take to win a championship."
 
Individually, freshman Haeri Lee tied for eighth at 73-74-80 – 227 while junior Aimee Gerschke tied for 12^th at 75-74-80 – 229. Freshman Kristen Giles and Sigurlaug Run Jonsdottir tied for 19^th at 79-74-79 – 232 and 78-75-79 – 232, respectively. Senior Grace Dunn tied for 29^th at 75-76-85 – 236. Abby Cavaiani of Missouri State defeated Sydney Eaton of Northern Iowa in two playoff holes for the individual title. Cavaiani carded a three-round score of 75-73-73-220.
 
Dunn is Drake's only senior this year. The Bulldogs are set to return seven and they welcome two high school student-athletes to the roster in 2019-20.

I also thank Grace for 4 great years. We will miss her on and off the golf course," Pruett said.

 
2019 MVC Championship Team Standings
1. Southern Illinois, +41, 300-299-306 – 905
2. Northern Iowa, +48, 311-301-300 – 912
3. Bradley, +50, 305-303-306 – 914
4. Indiana State, +51, 314-295-306 – 915
5. Drake, +52, 301-297-318 – 916
6. Missouri State, +59, 301-306-316 – 923
7. Evansville, +66, 307-320-303 – 930
8. Loyola, +71, 304-304-327 – 935
9. Illinois State, +83, 312-314-321 – 947
10. Valparaiso, +101, 326-317-322 – 965
 
5 Drake 301-297-319 – 917
T8. Haeri Lee, 73-74-80 – 227
T12. Aimee Gerschke, 75-74-80 – 229
T19. Kristen Giles, 79-74-79 – 232
T19. Sigurlaug Run Jonsdottir, 78-75-79 – 232
T29. Grace Dunn, 75-76-85 – 236