MARION, Ind. -- The Indiana Wesleyan University women’s golf team hosted the IWU Invitational this weekend at Arbor Trace Golf Club. Indiana Wesleyan finished fifth in the 10-team tournament.

Marian ‘B’ edged Indiana Wesleyan for fourth place by one stroke. Marian ‘B’ shot a two round total of 682 (341-341) as Indiana Wesleyan carded a 683 (341-342). The two teams were tied following play on Friday.

Marian’s top team won the invitational by 15 strokes with a final tally of 644 (327-317). Olivet Nazarene (Ill.) was runner-up with a 659 (318-341) and Saint Francis (Ind.) took third at 671 (337-334). Six of the 10 teams at the invitational are Crossroads League programs.

“We dropped to fifth only by one stroke and it is disappointing to lose our fourth place from Friday by that one stroke,” said Indiana Wesleyan head coach Julie Wagner. “It goes to show that every stroke counts.”

Taylor Goshert was the low card for the Wildcats with a 164 (82-82) for seventh place. Jessica Meloche tied for 12th place with a 169 (83-86), Jessica Pegg took 16th place at 173 (87-86), and Maggie Kaiser was 17th with a card of 175 (84-91). Kelli Sewell earned a 179 (92-87) and Haley Elenbaas shot a 180 (93-87) for 27th position.

“Overall our team putted much better for this tournament that we have in most,” said Wagner. “Our No. 4 and 5 players, Kelli Sewell and Haley Elenbaas, really pulled through today and improved their scores by five and six strokes. Without their great play today we could have been much worse off.  I’m thrilled for them. Our top three struggled on the back but came back and rallied on the front nine to keep us with a stroke of our day one score.”

Indiana Wesleyan will complete the fall schedule on October 14-15 at the St. Catherine’s Invitational in Bardstown, Kentucky.