The Belles were able to pull a second place finish at this weekend's Trine Invitational in Angola, Ind., squeaking by Illinois Wesleyan but falling 24 strokes behind Division II powerhouse University of Indianapolis.
Saint Mary's was led by freshman Martyna Mierzwa, who shot a 79 on the second day to finish third overall in the tournament with a 155. Junior Mary Kate Boyce came in at ninth overall with a 160 two-day total.
The Belles closed the first day behind Indianapolis, a lead that only increased as the tournament continued. The individual winner was Indianapolis' Lyndsay McBride, the reigning Division II individual champion, who carded a 148 for the weekend.
Also in contention for the Belles was sophomore Natalie Matuszak, who finished 11th with a 164. Two strokes back in 13th was junior Rosie O'Connor. Sophomore Christine Brown garnered a share of 20th with a 174, and the Belles' lone senior, Perri Hamma, finished 17th with a 172.
The Belles look to continue their solid start when they next see action at their first home tournament, the O'Brien D-III Championship, on Sept. 13 and 14.
