Junior grabs first individual tourney victory

Many athletes dream about success at whatever they do. IU junior Elaine Harris said last week she was hoping to follow in former IU golfer Shannon Johnson’s footsteps.\nChalk that up as a success. \nSeven days after scoring her first Big Ten golfer of the week honor, Harris scored her first career individual tournament title at the Mountain View Collegiate in Tucson, Ariz. \nIt was the first such title for any Hoosier since Johnson did it at last year’s UNLV Spring Invitational. Harris finished with an overall score of 7-under par for a three-day score of 209 (70-69-70). \nHarris reiterated her admiration for Johnson after the tournament.\n“I have some pretty big shoes to step into,” Harris said, referring to Johnson. “Shannon was here (at the tournament this weekend), so I have been able to share my experiences with her.”\nHarris also said she is not thinking about surpassing Johnson and was quick to credit the team for good play.\n“My legacy is intertwined with what the team is doing, and Coach and I agreed it is a team effort,” she said.\nIU coach Clint Wallman said Harris is making a name for herself.\n“I think she is establishing her own footsteps,” Wallman said. “Anytime you win a golf tournament, it’s a great record.”\nAs a team, IU finished with a three-day total score of 873, which was good for a third-place finish in the tournament.\nWallman was impressed with the team’s consistency.\n“The team played well, and we got balanced contributions from all, as well as three days of solid contributions (from everyone),” he said.\nAlso competing for IU was freshman Kellye Belcher, who tied for 19th.\n“I just was consistent and wasn’t frustrated whether I played a hole good or bad,” said Belcher, who finished with an overall score of 219.\nRounding out the field for the Hoosiers was junior transfer Lauren Harling, who tied for 23rd. Sophomore Amber Lindgren and freshman Laura Nochta tied for 69th and 77th, respectively.\nWinning the tournament was Nebraska with a score of 866, while Big Ten rival Northwestern finished second with a score of 870.\nThe Hoosiers return to action April 9 when they will compete in Carmel, Ind., in the IU Invitational. The cream and crimson will also get the honor of hosting this tournament at the world-class Crooked Stick Golf Club, which in the past has hosted events such as the Solheim Cup, where pro golfers Annika Sorenstam and Paula Creamer have competed. \nWallman said he is looking forward to the prestige of hosting a tournament despite the enormous effort.\n“It is exciting, and we have a great field and a great golf course,” he said. “It is a lot of work to host, but it’s a great honor.”