Feb. 15, 2005

PORT ARTHUR - Texas State sophomore Danielle Mask shot a 79 on Tuesday to finish with a two-round score of 157 (+13) to finish in a four-way tie for seventh at the Lamar Cardinal Invitational played Monday and Tuesday at The Palms Golf Course on Pleasure Island.

The Bobcats placed fifth as a team with a two-round score of 653. Host Lamar won the rain-shortened tournament with a team score of 620. The Cardinals beat second-place McNeese State by six strokes and finished 15 strokes better than any other team in the field.

"The course conditions were extremely wet both days of the tournament," said Texas State coach Dacia Mackey. "The rain forced us to cut our practice round short, only being able to play out nine holes. I believe it affected our team play on the back nine during the first round but there are absolutely no excuses for our disappointing team score.

"Each of my player's scores fell well short of all our expectations," Mackey said. "It's evident that we are going to need a lot of work in order for us to get back on top in the Southland Conference."

Texas State senior Liz McCoppin had back-to-back rounds of 80 to place 13th in the tournament.

The Bobcats return to action Feb. 28 and March 1 when they travel to the Centenary Invitational in Shreveport, La.

"I believe in my team and in each of these young ladies' ability in turning things around," Mackey said. "I am eager to get a more solid, confident and stronger play heading into the Centenary Invitational."