Valparaiso’s women’s golf team teed off for the first time during the 2011-2012 season on Saturday afternoon, and sits in fifth place at the IU Fall Kick-off held at the IU Golf Course in Bloomington, Ind.  The Crusaders posted a first round score of 336.

“I thought we did a pretty good job for our first round of the year,” head coach Mat Blair said.  “We were able to find out where we are at for this early in the season.  Obviously we have room for improvement, but I like lots of what I saw today and am happy where we are at at this point in the year.”

Freshman A.J. Selig (Hortonville, Wis./Appleton West H.S.) paced the Crusaders in the opening round.  Playing as an individual, Selig carded a nine-over par 81 on the 5,709-yard course.

“It was a great way for A.J. to open her collegiate career,” Blair said.

Michelle Kleckner (New Brighton, Mich./Irondale H.S.) fired an 83 while Brianna Davy (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central H.S.) and Kelly Voigt (Palatine, Ill./Fremd H.S.) both carded 84s for the Crusaders.  Jessica O’Brien (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton H.S.) added an 85 while Erika Pfaender (Pewaukee, Wis./Arrowhead H.S.) shot an opening round 89.

IUPUI holds a two stroke lead in the team standings over tournament host Indiana 303-305 while Indiana State is seven shots off the pace.  Indianapolis is fourth ahead of the Brown and Gold.

The final round of the season’s opening event will take place on Sunday morning beginning at 7:30 a.m. CDT.