Aug. 31, 2004

Columbia, Mo. - The University of Missouri Women's Golf squad continued its rise to national prominence on Tuesday. Golf World, the world's leading weekly golf publication, announced its 2004-05 Preseason Coaches poll with the Tigers coming in with a No. 25-ranking. UCLA was the No. 1 squad in the poll that included four Big 12 schools (Oklahoma State - No. 5, Texas - No. 10, Texas A&M - No. 21 and Missouri - No. 25). After reaching NCAA Regional competition last year for the second time in three years under head coach Stephanie Cooper, Mizzou returns every member of 03-04 roster. Included on that roster is 2003-04 All-Big 12 first-team honoree Denise Knaebel and All-Big 12 second-team member Maria Ohlsson. Add experienced veterans Kelly Strubinger, Mindy Bullard and Stephanie Turner and sophomores Lindsey Adams and Stephanie Wavro to the mix along with super-talented freshman Madde Augustsson, and you've got a recipe for continued success as the 04-05 season progresses. "There are some great competitors on our squad and our kids have been really focused this summer," Coach Copper said. "The addition of Madde (Augustsson) along with a very experienced group of returners has us excited about what we can accomplish once we get going in next weekend." Mizzou set several school records last year including most team wins in single season (3), lowest season stroke average (303.0) and all-time low team 18-hole score (285). Knaebel also set the individual record for season stroke average (74.6) and was recognized as a member of the "best of the rest" by Golf World in their list of Top 50 Female Players to Watch. Ohlsson also earned her way on to that list with her excellent stroke average of 75.1, which ranks third on the Tiger charts. The Tigers open their 2004 fall season at the Lady North Classic in Ann Arbor, MI, which will be played on Sept. 11-12. Please find the Tigers' 2004-05 schedule attached below and log on to www.mutigers.com for more information on Mizzou women's golf.