Despite harsh weather conditions, the Eastern Illinois Panthers finished fourth out of seven at the IPFW Spring Classic.

The practice round on Saturday was snowed out, but that didn’t seem to slow down Eastern’s highest ranking this year with a team total of 661.

Sophomore Anne Bahr showed consistency during the two-round tournament by shooting an 80 on each day, adding up to a total of 160, which is her lowest two-round score this year.

Junior Chloe Wong tied Bahr for sixth as she shot a 78 on Sunday and an 82 on Monday.

This was Wong’s lowest two-round tournament, beating her previous high at 169.

With a 6-point round improvement, junior Alexandra Pickens shot an 85 on Sunday and 79 on Monday, which tied her for 15^th with an overall 164.  This was Pickens ‘lowest two-round score this year, beating her previous high of 164.

Rounding out the EIU golfers were junior Madison Burgett who shot a 177 and placed 35^th, along with sophomore Hannah Magda who scored a 188.

The IPFW Spring Classic took place at the Pine Valley Country Club in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  During the two-day tournament, the weather had a mind of its own.

On Saturday, when Eastern’s practice round snowed out, the team was unable to see most of the golf course.

“We only had knowledge of about two holes going into the competition.”  Bahr said. ”With a 12 p.m. high on Monday of 39 and with wild winds, it was great to see a low team score, despite the frigid conditions.”

Along with her lowest score of 60 and finishing tied for sixth, this was Bahr’s first top 10 ranking at a tournament.  Last week, Bahr set personal goals for herself, which included maintaining a positive attitude.

“I was able to stay positive throughout each round,” said Bahr,” I think that’s what led to more of a breakthrough performance for me.”

As a spectator for this tournament, Junior Erika Von Itter was able to notice what Eastern did well, and also what they could improve on.

“As a team, our fairway game is fairly good,” said Von Itter.  “We do need to improve on our short game around the greens. We try to work on our short game every practice and little by little, we continue to get better.”

Von Itter stayed back this weekend and began to prepare for the next tournament and for conference in two weeks.  She is setting goals for herself and shows veteran confidence in her skills.

“My goal is to just practice and play longer yardage to better myself.” Said Von Itter.  “I know I have the skills to play well; now it’s just a matter of harnessing those skills and using them when I play.”

Eastern will travel to Terre Haute, Indiana next weekend for the Indiana State Invite, coming off of their lowest team total of 661.

Adam Shay can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected]