Aug. 31, 2008

Big Rapids, Mich. - Grand Valley State shot an opening round 298, followed by a final 18 score of 296 for a 36-hole total of 594 to take top honors at the 2008 Ferris State Invitational. The Lakers' 594 was a Ferris State Bulldog Invitational record for low team score, bettering the Bulldogs' 2004 total of 595 and the victory snapped a string of three straight titles by Ferris State. In addition, Ashley Smith's (Flymouth, Mich./Salem) 36-hole 144 tied the record for low score that Jacqueline Benscoter (Ferris State) set in 2007.

The Lakers jumped out to a seven-stroke lead after day one with a 298 and never looked back. Ashley Smith carded an opening round 70, followed by 74 for an even-par 144. Allie Tyler (Grand Rapids, Mich./Forest Hills Central) tied for second with a 147. Tyler opened with a 75, followed by a final round 72. Kristina Lanton (Ada, Mich./Catholic Central) opned with a 79, but regrouped with a final round 70 for a 36-hole total of 149 (T-4th). Caitlin Bennett (Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich./North) tied for 12th with 155, while Michelle Boogaard (Grand Rapids, Mich./South Christian) tied for 23rd (159). Freshman Sarah Hoffman (Saline, Mich.) finished 25th with a 160 in her first collegiate tournament.

Grand Valley State will host the Grand Valley State Laker Classic Monday (Sept. 1) and Tuesday (Sept. 2) at the Meadows Golf Course. Tee times start at 9 a.m.