Placing third behind national powers such as Alabama and Kentucky was a goal of the NIU women’s golf team going into the weekend’s Western Kentucky-Southern Illinois Invitational, and the Huskies met it.

Alabama claimed the team title with a two-day total of 584, followed in order by Kentucky at 599, NIU at 627, Southern Illinois at 631, Western Kentucky at 635, Illinois State at 662 and Mankato State at 697.

Alabama’s Sophia Gronberg was the tournament medalist with rounds of 71-71 for a total of 142. NIU’s Sue Sisler cracked the top ten with rounds of 75 and 79 for her 154 to tie for eighth.

“I’m real pleased that Sue finished so well,” NIU women’s golf coach Pam Tyska said. “She’s coming off good rounds during our spring trip to Florida. It’s good to see that play carrying over.

“I’m pleased we came out on top of Southern Illinois and Western Kentucky. That is what we were shooting for. Alabama is among the top ten in the nation, and Kentucky is a very strong team.”

Sisler and teammate Laura Scheibach both shot 75s on the par 72 Kentucky Dam Village State Park Course the first day to tie for seventh. Senior Lori Wetzel rebounded from a first-day 83 to tour the course with a 72 on Saturday.

“Lori really came back,” Tyska said of Wetzel’s final round score. “She pulled us through and helped hold off SIU.”

NIU has a weekend off before returning to competitive play. The Huskies travel to Champaign, Ill., for the University of Illinois Intercollegiate April 10 and 11. Tee-off time for both days of the tournament is set for 8 a.m.