High expectations going in quickly took a turn for the worse for Pam Tyska’s NIU women’s golf team over the weekend at the University of Iowa’s Lady Northern Invitational in Iowa City, Ia.

Senior Kim Hodge, who was expected to lead the Huskies’ charge to a high-place finish, sprained her ankle upon entering the clubhouse after Thursday’s practice round and was unable to compete in the tournament, which was cut short by rain on Sunday.

Hodge’s teammates, however, did pick her up for the most part by finishing seventh out of the 15 schools.

NIU finished with a 36-hole total of 661, two strokes better than the host Hawkeyes and five better than Michigan State.

Indiana won the championship with a 625, one shot better than Wisconsin and three ahead of Ohio State.

University of Illinois All-American Renee Heiken won individual medalist honors with a 150, two strokes better than Wisconsin’s Rachel Wiese and three ahead of Indiana’s Courtney Cox, Iowa State’s Beth Bader and Minnesota’s Sara Evens.

Shelley Wendels was NIU’s best finisher with a 157, which was good enough for a tie for 11th place.

Other Huskie scores were Jen Hall, who finished at 167; Samantha Thompson carded a 168; Karen Bromberg shot a 169 and Amanda Mokelke finished at 195.