UNION, Ky.--Bellarmine freshman Jessica Stephens closed with the lowest round of her young collegiate career today, firing a 74 to finish tied for sixth at Northern Kentucky's "The Julie" tournament, contested Monday and Tuesday at Lassing Pointe Golf Club.

While the day ended well for Stephens, the day started with trouble for the Paducah, Kentucky native as she opened with a double-bogey on the par-5 first hole.  However, she made up those two shots on the ninth hole with an eagle on that par-5.  Her 74 paired with an opening round 78 as she finished at 152 to tie with Northern Kentucky's Delaney Welsh for sixth in the 38-player field.

Overall, the Knights finished fifth of six teams after posting scores of 320 and 316.  The tournament was originally scheduled as a 54-hole event, but a lengthy frost delay on Monday resulted in a reduction to just two 18-hole rounds.

IUPUI claimed the team title with rounds of 299 and 301.  The Jaguars' 600 aggregate score was 17 shots clear of runner-up Illinois-Chicago.  Lillian Young of NKU earned medalist honors with a two-over-par total of 146 (70-76).

For Bellarmine, freshman Josephine Bonin and junior Olivia Pennybaker tied for 17th at 160.  Despite tying, Bonin and Pennybaker arrived at their totals quite differently.  Bonin carded a 78 to open while closing with an 82. Pennybaker, meanwhile, posted an 83 on Monday and closed with a final round 77. 

Other Bellarmine competitors included Caroline McCrorey (81-83, 164, 24th) and Alaina Schmitt (83-91, 174, T32nd).

Bellarmine has now completed four its five scheduled events this spring.  The Knights will make their final appearance at the ASUN Championships on April 18, 19, and 20 at the Kinder Forest Golf Club in Valdosta, Georgia.

FINAL RESULTS (PDF)

FINAL RESULTS (GOLFSTAT WEBSITE)