Pioneers open in 14th of 21

UW-Platteville's golf team showed both its vast potential and its youth in the 2009 season opener at the UW-Eau Claire Invitational Saturday and Sunday.

The Pioneers, with only two returners and no seniors, grabbed ninth-place after the first day with a 344, then shot 388 the second day to place 14th among 21 teams.

Gustavus Adolphus won the meet with a 630, edging the host Blugolds by three strokes.

Freshman Kelsey Lieving typified the Pioneer weekend, shooting a torrid 81 on the first day and a 99 on the second to finish 35th. Tricia Pawelski also shot 180, putting together rounds of 88 and 92. Kellsey Welter was 36th with a 181, while Ellyn Subak shot 192 (47th) and Kerrie Liske 193 (48th) to round out the scoring.