Sept. 16, 2000

HOWIE-IN-HILLS, Fla. – The Notre Dame women’s golf team opened its 2000 fall season by finishing 20th at the weather-shortened NCAA Fall Preview, held at the par-73 El Campeon at Mission Inn golf course.

The tournament-which opened on Friday-was scheduled for three rounds but Sunday’s final 18 holes were called off due to the impending Hurricane Gordon. Saturday’s round included a three-hour rain delay, with the final holes concluding in a driving storm.

Notre Dame freshman Shannon Byrne had an impressive debut performance, leading the Irish with a two-day total of 163 (84-79). Senior captain Shane Smith posted rounds of 78-87 for a 165 total while freshman Rebecca Rogers (85-81) and junior Kristin McMurtrie (80-86) finished at 166. Freshman Jeanne Murphy (83-84) rounded out the Irish contingent at the tournament which includes many of the nation’s top programs.

Duke repeated as team champion (296-299), finishing 11-over par as a team to edge defending national champion Arizona by three strokes. Wake Forest’s Marta Prieto (72-74) and Maria Beautell (72-74) tied for medalist honors.

A full listing of the results can be found at: http://www.stetson.edu/offices/athletics/womens_golf/previewresults.htm