INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.  — The Western Illinois women's golf team finished third in the 14-team field at the Butler Fall Invitational, which concluded Tuesday at Eagle Creek Golf Course.

The Fighting Leathernecks stood in fourth after shooting a 312 on the first day of competition Monday, but moved up a spot by shooting a 316 Tuesday while several other teams struggled in the windy conditions. With a two-round total of 628, Western finished behind only Indianapolis (622) and tournament champion Eastern Illinois (617).

"I was pleased with the scores today. We could have played a little bit better yesterday, but overall we turned in some pretty solid scores," said Western Illinois coach Lia Biehl Lukkarinen. "I think the weather affected a lot of people. It was pretty windy, but we hit it pretty far, so the wind doesn't bother us as much."

Junior Tara Peterman led the Leathernecks by tying for ninth place individually. Peteman followed a career-best round of 76 with a 79 in the final round to tally a two-round total of 155.

Junior Claire Gursh paired a career-best-tying 76 with her first-round score of 81 to finish in 14th place at 157 while Lindsay Wandrey (79-80) and Jennifer Holt (76-83) both tied for 23rd at 159. Freshman Alexa Arent rounded out Western's scoring by tying for 36th place with an 82-81—163.

Playing as individuals, sophomore Samantha Hainline tied for 36th at 80-83—163 and junior Elizabeth Fernandes tied for 44th at 83-81—164.

Western will conclude its fall season Oct. 12-13 at the Green Bay Fall Invitational.