Valparaiso University’s Erika Pfaender (Pewaukee, Wis./Arrowhead H.S.) carded a final round 79 on Tuesday on her way to a third place finish at the IPFW Spring Classic held at Pine Valley Country Club in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Pfaender turned in a 36-hole total of 159 (80-79), to finish just one shot out of a playoff for the individual title.  The Valpo sophomore posted four birdies in the tournament, tied for most in the tournament.  Leila Marquet of Lewis defeated Darin Pinnick of Indianapolis in a one hole playoff for the crown. 

“I was really impressed with Erika’s play all week,” head coach Mat Blair said.  “She has really been working hard and was ready to play.  She was focused for both rounds and her short game was really good.”

Pfaender’s efforts lifted the Crusaders to a tie for fifth place in the team standings with Cleveland State.  Valpo shot 337 on day two to finish the tournament at 676, moving up one spot from Sunday’s opening round.

Michelle Kleckner (New Brighton, Minn./Irondale H.S.) added a final round 83 to finish at 170 while Brianna Davy (Schererville, Ind./Lake Central H.S.) improved by eight strokes with her 84 on Monday to shoot 176 for the tournament.  Kelly Voigt (Palatine, Ill./Fremd H.S.) shot 93 to post 177 while Jessica O’Brien (Chesterton, Ind./Chesterton H.S.) carded a 91 to finish at 179.

Playing as an individual, Alyssa Cameron (Warsaw, Ind./Warsaw H.S.) shot 89 to finish at 183 while Kathleen Cooper (Hobart, Ind./Hobart H.S.) turned in a 99 to post 189 for the tournament.

Valparaiso will return to action at the Indiana Invitational in Bloomington, Ind. April 14-15.