Neither wind, rain nor lightning could keep the NIU women’s golf team from winning the Illinois State Redbird Invitational. It couldn’t dampen coach Pam Tyska’s mood either.

After two days on the par-73 ISU Golf Course, the Huskies owned a one-stroke lead over Missouri, giving NIU the title.

“Winning this tournament was a major goal of ours,” Tyska said. “It was definitely exciting for me since (ISU) is my alma mater. It’s got to be the highlight of my three years at NIU.”

While the Huskies gathered a 617 team total, Missouri held a 618 score. The other teams included Western Kentucky, 642; Purdue, 631; Wichita State, 637; ISU, 642; Southern Illinois, 651; DePauw, 678; Northeast Missouri State and Notre Dame, 680; Indianapolis, 693; Southwest Missouri State, 695; and Franklin College, 796.

Pacing the way for the Huskie crew was Laura Scheibach. The senior won medalist honors with a 148 tally, shooting back-to-back rounds of 74 in the 36-hole tournament.

“Laura played outstanding,” the Huskie boss said. “Not only did she surpass the player behind her by five strokes, she also pulled through in poor conditions. She had to pull out of the last six holes because of lightning. Then, by the time her group was able to play again, it was pouring.

“Technically it was unplayable. The coaches had to towel the greens. But Laura didn’t make any errors. It was fantastic.”

Tyska also pointed out Jenny Mellinger’s performance saying the junior “rose to the occasion”. Mellinger shot a 75 in the second round with a 39 on the first nine and a 36 on the back side.

“I can’t say there was one key since we beat Missouri by one,” Tyska said, “but her 75 in the second round was definitely a key. We will definitely keep her in the clutch.”

Freshman Nicol Jeray opened the invitational with a strong 74 first-day showing. After 18 holes, she tied with Scheibach for second place. WKU’s Suzanne Noblet had a one-stroke lead with 73. She finished the weekend with a 156 total.

“She slipped the second day, but her finish was a great accomplishment,” Tyska said.