March 13, 2006

DeKalb, IL-- Northern Illinois University's women's golf team welcomes 14 teams to the 20th edition of the NIU Snowbird Invitational. The 36-hole tournament begins with a 9 am (EST) shotgun start on March 15, 2006 at Pebblecreek Country Club on the par-72, 5,940-yard layout in Tampa, FL.

NIU will be joined in the field by Bradley University, Eastern Kentucky University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida Tech, Gonzaga University, Murray State University, North Dakota State University, University of Northern Iowa, Siena College, St. Leo University, Southern Illinois University, Weber State University, Western Illinois University, and Youngstown State University.

Yale University took home the rain shortened 2005 title firing a one round team score of 305, edging the University of Minnesota by four strokes. Yale's January Romero defeated teammate Jessica Shapiro and Minnesota's Terra Petsinger in a playoff to win the individual crown at 3-over par 75.

The Huskies, who finished sixth last year, will be led by seniors Jackie Bailey (Decatur / Warrensburg-Lathem) and Jackie Heslop (Pequot Lakes, MN). NIU junior Lisa Bailey (Decatur / Warrensburg-Lathem) led the way for Northern Illinois in last year's Snowbird finishing tied for fourth place at four over par 76. Prior to the Snowbird, NIU will host the Springlake Invitational in Sebring, FL, March 10-11.

(For further information, please contact Daniel Solow) -NIU-