Valparaiso’s women’s golf team opened the 2010 spring season on Tuesday afternoon, finishing in 10th place at the Butler Spring Invitational held at Prestwick CC in Avon, Ind.

The Crusaders turned in a round of 403 on the day, with the event being shortened from 36 holes to 18 due to rain on Monday.

Butler won the team total shooting 311 while Dayton and IUPUI tied for second with rounds of 318.

Annie Nolan (Valparaiso, Ind./Valparaiso H.S.) led the Brown and Gold with a 91 on the 5,770-yard, par-71 layout.  Jessica O’Brien (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton H.S.) added a 98 for the Crusaders while Kathleen Cooper (Hobart, Ind./Hobart H.S.) turned in a 106.  Sarah Al-Momar (Sylvania, Ohio/Southview H.S.) rounded out the Crusader lineup, carding a 108 on the day.

Individually, IUPUI’s Kristi O’Brien took home medalist honors after shooting a three-over par 74.

Valparaiso will return to the course on April 5-6 in Peoria, Ill. for the Hotels at Grand Prairie Collegiate Classic hosted by Bradley.  The first round begins at 8 a.m.